Naming your band “Dummy” feels like a bold move, especially in the music world, where that word inevitably conjures up thoughts of Portishead’s iconic album. For those in the know, it’s impossible not to make that connection. The members of Dummy, all seasoned music enthusiasts, are undoubtedly aware of this association. But rather than shying away from it, they embrace it, confident in their own unique identity.
Dummy formed in Los Angeles in 2018, with members who previously played in Wildhoney, a Baltimore dream-pop band known for its ethereal soundscapes. Wildhoney was a band that didn’t fear taking risks—like covering Sixpence None The Richer’s “Kiss Me” at a hardcore punk festival, a move as daring as it was memorable. With Dummy, these musicians sought to chart new territory, pushing their music into more experimental and electronic realms. While their sound has evolved, it has never mirrored that of Portishead, and it continues to stand apart. In fact, Portishead’s evolution means they no longer resemble Dummy either. For a band intent on forging its own path, there could be no better inspiration.
Dummy’s debut album, Mandatory Enjoyment (2021), drew comparisons to another critically acclaimed ’90s band: Stereolab. Like Stereolab, Dummy blended krautrock-inspired rhythms with rich, droning organ tones and sweetly harmonized vocals. Their music combined Stereolab’s meticulous, spaced-out vibe with the swirling, immersive qualities of My Bloody Valentine, earning them a place in the broader shoegaze revival conversation—a movement currently enjoying renewed interest. But Dummy had ambitions that extended beyond those early influences, and they fully realize those ambitions on their sophomore effort, Free Energy, a significant leap forward for the band.
The title Free Energy isn’t a nod to the neo-classic rock band of the same name but instead refers to concepts from “bubble physics” and “thermodynamic potential,” as well as a broader sense of emotional uplift. Bubbles are a recurring motif on the album, appearing in both the music and the imagery. The lead single “Nullspace” is infused with bubbly, rippling sound effects, and the album’s cover features a bubble in mid-pop. Even the song titles, like “Opaline Bubbletear,” reflect this theme. The lyrics are peppered with physics jargon that might go over the heads of many listeners, but you don’t need a degree in physics to grasp the driving momentum behind the album. While traces of Stereolab remain in Dummy’s sound, they now blend these with influences from early ’90s shoegaze and dream-pop acts like Curve, Medicine, and Seefeel—bands that experimented with dance music elements in their work. The members of Dummy clearly have an extensive and eclectic record collection, but the album is far more than just a pastiche of influences. Free Energy is infused with a sense of boundless creativity and potential.
Listening to Free Energy is an experience where the album’s intricate layers and sonic textures can leave you disoriented—in the best way possible. Although the record was reportedly made mostly with guitars, those guitars have been so artfully manipulated that they often sound like something else entirely. The drums, however, remain sharp and clear, their thumping beats resonating deeply. On this album, Dummy delves further into dance music, with breakbeats and throbbing basslines that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. While many of their shoegaze contemporaries are tethered to a specific guitar tone, Dummy excels at creating layered sounds that are in constant motion. Their music, though warped and woozy, retains a core of pop sensibility.
The album’s pacing is expertly crafted, with Dummy demonstrating a keen understanding of how to construct a compelling musical journey. The album opens with a near-wordless intro that sets the tone before launching into “Soonish,” a track bursting with infectious energy and perhaps the band’s catchiest tune to date. From there, the album alternates between introspective mood pieces and lively jangle-pop numbers. “Blue Dada” exemplifies Dummy’s ability to blend these elements, with its mix of chaotic energy, ethereal beauty, and disorienting soundscapes, all underpinned by a driving force that leaves you breathless.
Free Energy isn’t all high-octane, though. As the album progresses, Dummy slows down to explore the possibilities of echo, layered vocals, and instrumental textures. Emma Maatman, one of the band’s two vocalists, brings a unique tone to the music, one that conveys both playfulness and melancholy. The band’s innovative use of organ drones and feedback further adds to the album’s depth. Even at their most experimental, Dummy never lose sight of the importance of songcraft and dynamics. The tracks remain concise and never feel self-indulgent. Even when the band veers into more psychedelic territory, there’s always an energetic burst waiting just around the corner.
Parts of Free Energy might evoke memories of other bands or records, but the album as a whole is a beautifully crafted collection of sounds, ideas, and emotions. It’s an album that feels both meticulously planned and deeply heartfelt. Listening to Free Energy doesn’t feel like hearing a band trying to imitate its influences. Instead, it feels like hearing a band in love with the possibilities of its own music. On Free Energy, Dummy doesn’t sound anything like Portishead’s Dummy, and that’s something to celebrate. Rather than following in anyone else’s footsteps, they’ve carved out their own distinct path, fully earning the right to their name.