Mike Spohr – A Dreamer Still
The debut album by Mike Spohr carries a title that perfectly encapsulates the essence of his musical journey. “A Dreamer Still” is not the rushed product of a young artist eager to conquer the world immediately, but rather the result of three decades of careful observation and personal reflection. Although Spohr has built a long and successful career in digital media, he kept his passion for songwriting largely to himself for over thirty years. Now, drawing from an extensive archive dating back to his eighteenth year, he finally presents a collection that feels like both a preserved time capsule and a fresh beginning. This record serves as a testament to the idea that creative seeds, no matter how long they are dormant, can eventually bloom into something substantial.
Musically, Spohr is firmly rooted in the tradition of classic pop and rock from the sixties and seventies. The influence of The Beatles and The Beach Boys is unmistakable in the emphasis on melody and harmony, yet a melancholic undertone often seeps through, reminiscent of the emotional honesty found in the blues. The production is organic and warm, with instrumentation that supports the songs without ever overpowering the core message. The focus here lies on the craft of songwriting itself, rather than following fleeting contemporary production fads. The arrangements are functional and tasteful, providing the listener with the necessary space to concentrate on narrative lyrics regarding time, reinvention, and persistence.
In tracks like “Old Songs”, the music serves as a meta-commentary on the album itself, capturing a sense of nostalgia without descending into cheap sentimentality. He sings about the power of music to keep memories alive, stating ’Oh, how things change, yet some things remain/‘Cause Lord knows I’ve changed, but I’m still the same,’ a line that strikes a chord with anyone who has ever used a song to travel back in time. “Betty Blue”, which opens the album, demonstrates how Spohr can combine a catchy hook with a layered arrangement. The pop version at the end of the record offers an interesting contrast and highlights the inherent versatility of his compositions. In “A Home Is Not a Place”, he explores deeper, more philosophical themes of security and identity, resulting in one of the more emotionally charged moments on the disc.
Further into the record, “The Walking Dead” and “Stuck on a Landline” showcase Spohr’s ability to weave modern observations into a classic sonic framework. “The Walking Dead” moves with a steady, rhythmic pace that emphasises the weariness of the subject matter, while “These Chords” feels like a vulnerable peek into the songwriter’s relationship with his instrument. Throughout these pieces, the instrumentation remains grounded, favouring acoustic textures and clean electric guitars that evoke the sun-drenched atmosphere of his Californian roots.
While the album is an impressive showcase of Spohr’s ability, there are moments where the sheer length of the tracklist becomes apparent. With sixteen tracks, “A Dreamer Still” asks a lot of the modern listener’s concentration. Some tracks, such as “Flies”, are charming but add less to the overall thematic arc of the album compared to the more resonant ballads. A slightly stricter selection or a shorter sequence might have enhanced the impact of the remaining compositions. Additionally, Spohr’s vocals remain fairly restrained throughout the journey. While this contributes to a sincere and accessible atmosphere, an occasional outburst of raw emotion could have given some of the more intense songs that extra push they deserve.
Ultimately, admiration for this project prevails. “A Dreamer Still” is a courageous statement on the fact that it is never too late to realise a creative dream. Spohr proves he has a keen eye for life’s small, often overlooked moments and can translate them into universal songs. The record breathes a certain tranquillity that only comes from years of life experience and the total absence of a need to prove oneself against modern trends. It is an album for the connoisseur who values craftsmanship and sincerity over flashy production. For those seeking timeless songs with a human heart, this release is a pleasant surprise. (7/10) (Spohr Media)
