"Dream Wife is a perfect example of what makes SXSW special, the discovery and excitement of seeing something real that has feeling and meat to it, and makes you grateful you were there to witness it." - NPR Music
"Punk rock trio Dream Wife make music that flips a middle finger to convention." - The FADER
"Dream Wife's most recent singles are two of the most urgent, empowering, and subversive rock jams of 2017" -Gorilla vs. Bear
"a well-oiled machine worthy of the Strokes but performed with the righteous indignation of Bikini Kill...snappy, punk-informed rock 'n' roll." - Stereogum
"why they rule: Astounding musical precision, addictive melodies, and plenty of heart." - Entertainment Weekly
"Dream Wife offer a soundtrack ripe for a punk Sofia Coppola movie soundtrack" - NYLON
London-based and British/Icelandic born punk rock trio Dream Wife will release their long-awaited self-titled debut album next week, but starting today you can stream the record early courtesy of NPR First Listen. Since forming in 2015 as a college art school project, Dream Wife - a name chosen as commentary on society's objectification of women - have become one of the foremost up-and-coming bands out of the U.K. With their debut album they come out guns blazing, armed with strong messages of empowerment backed by their fierce live shows where inclusivity is not only encouraged, but required. Stream Dream Wife now HERE, and pre-order the recordphysically HERE or digitally HERE.
Dream Wife have also just announced that they'll bring their ferocious live set on the road withSunflower Bean this Spring, but first will play Brooklyn with two gigs next week that are not to be missed. They will also tour throughout UK, Europe, and Australia over the next few months. See below to find a show near you, and get your tickets HERE.
Dream Wife is more than just a band, Dream Wife is a way of life. You'll struggle to find a tighter knit trio than this trio of astrological fire signs. The band came together while they were studying at Brighton University in the U.K., with roommates Rakel – who was born in Iceland and raised in California – and Bella deciding they needed to enlist hotshot guitarist Alice while a fewJägerbombs deep on an indie disco dance-floor. Alice responded to the pair's Facebook message instantly and the dayglo world of Dream Wife was born. Initially formed as part of a performance art project, and a way to obtain their dream trip to Canada, they quickly realized that their chemistry was too powerful for them just to be a one time thing. They took themselves out on the road under their own steam, and started touring with only four songs and without a booking agent, promoter or a tour manager.
The band chose Dream Wife for its wordplay, not from the 1953 Hollywood rom-com which none of them had ever seen, and for its wry nod to their feminist politics. "It's a commentary on the objectification of women; the 1950s American Dream stereotype package. Having the dream house, the dream car and the dream wife," they explain. "We want to flip the script on that. Women aren't objects; we don't just fit into one mold. At the start, we joked around calling each other our wives, but by supporting one another, celebrating achievements together and finding strength in female solidarity we're reclaiming the concept of a 'wife.' Being in a band is a marriage in itself."
When it comes to their sound, Dream Wife worships at the twin altars of David Bowie and Madonna. A scene unto themselves, their gigs are a riot of handmade props and stage sets that cover everything from space beaches to haunted graveyards, while their finely tuned show is the product of extreme DIY beginnings. It's the songs too that make the shows, from the fiery fury of "FUU," to the new wave politico-pop of "Somebody," and euphoric old school indie hit "Fire." These are songs in the classic mold – big, beautiful and crazily catchy. And, of course, there's the three dynamic women at the band's core. Alice is convinced the group's drive and dedication comes from the fact they're all fire symbols. "We're a power trio," she says. "There's a crazy energy between us." Bella is in agreement; "It is magic when we're together." Get ready to fall under Dream Wife's spell.
Dream Wife are: Rakel Mjöll (lead vocals), Alice Go (guitar and vocals) and Bella Podpadec (bass and vocals).