Chasing a dream can be a draining process, especially for those doing so during a global pandemic. To Chase My Dreams, or to Just Lie Down?, the fourth studio album from HARBOUR, falls through the challenges of pushing towards musical aspirations during a period of time where the struggles of life are trying to undercut ambition and enthusiasm at every turn. The Ohio-based band is made up of Ryan Green (vocals/guitar), Jarett Lewis (guitar), Ryan Sulken (drums), Walker Atkinson (bass), and Devon Turner (guitar). With incredible energy and production, To Chase My Dreams, or to Just Lie Down? is the epitome of an indie-rock record.

The 10-song tracklist starts off strong with “Sleepyhead” and “Bahamas.” Both songs were a part of the single releases leading up to the drop of To Chase My Dreams, or to Just Lie Down?, and fully set the tone for what this album plans to be. With heavy guitar melodies, “Sleepyhead” crafts the perfect, up-beat vibe to juxtapose the deeper lyrics surrounding the idea of being overwhelmed with the pressures of the music industry. The track includes a really wild transition from a groovy vibe into a hard-hitting bridge. Moving right into “Bahamas,” this song further plays on establishing contrast between a highly electric beat and lyrics reminiscing on how life can feel heavy and lonely, versus finding the balance of what it could be. 

Easily flowing into the next song, “Thorn” dives deeper into the emotions surrounding being trapped and tied down from the weight of life. The lyrics “I’m such a mess/ Self deprecating, I confess,” and the repetition of the chorus lines “I wanted just to breathe,” emit the feelings of helplessness and loss of apathy that To Chase My Dreams, or to Just Lie Down? is trying to explain. From “Thorn” to “Fish Tank,” this song stays true to the theme of the record, and is where the album title is reflected in the lyrics. The engaging vocal harmonies combined with a carefully crafted bridge draws the audience further into the beauty that is To Chase My Dreams, or to Just Lie Down?

The next two songs on the record, “Swimming in My Head” and “Everything’s Fine” are what I would call fun tracks to listen to and pick apart. There are many interesting moments to discover during “Swimming in My Head,” from elaborate melody transitions, to guitar, bass, and drums masterfully bouncing off each other, to vocal riffs, there is so much to uncover throughout the progression of the song. Similarly, “Everything’s Fine” plays on different aspects of the production with sick gang vocal overlays and pace changes. One of the definitive songs from To Chase My Dreams, or to Just Lie Down? is the striking “I Can’t Stand It.” This track is poignant without losing any of its bite. “I Can’t Stand It” leans into exploring diverse rhythms and punching guitar moments to highlight the vigor of the record. 

The last two songs on To Chase My Dreams, or to Just Lie Down? are what could be considered the outliers of the tracklist, but for vastly different reasons. “I’ve Only Started Running” is the slowest of the collection, and is easily the most heart wrenching. The song is elegant, rich with melodies and vulnerability. Although musically it doesn’t match the rest of the album, “I’ve Only Started Running” is raw and powerful, and defines the meaning behind To Chase My Dreams, or to Just Lie Down? The final song, “Too Close,” is short and sweet. It closes out the record with high-energy that loops perfectly back to the start.

If there’s one thing to take away from To Chase My Dreams, or to Just Lie Down?, it’s that HARBOUR knows how to write a powerful bridge. Each track encompasses some form of tone shift in the bridge that fully earns your attention and holds the enthusiasm of the record. Furthermore, there are themes throughout the album that many people will be able to identify with and relate to, especially with how they are articulated by the band. From start to finish, this album is cohesive and beautifully constructed. HARBOUR is meticulous in artfully portraying their emotions and musical maturity in what I would consider one of the best indie-rock records of the year. Now it’s time to self-reflect: is it better To Chase My Dreams, or to Just Lie Down?  

Check out HARBOUR’s new album, To Chase My Dreams, or to Just Lie Down?, available now!