The Werks: Inside A Dream

Matt Inman on January 28, 2016

The Werks have become known for their technical skill and penchant for mixing genres at will, and with one song on Inside A Dream, the Ohio-based band takes the latter to another level. Their “Opus 66,” a high-energy, modular, borderline creepy romp, is a highlight of the album, and it also just happens to be a reimagining of legendary pianist and composer Frédéric Chopin’s own Opus 66, his “Fantaisie Impromptu.” Besides boasting that impressive cover subject—along with being a solid song in itself—The Werks’ version of the tune clearly displays everything that is right with this quartet: the driving rhythm, the ripping guitar, the mesmerizing keyboard. Inside A Dream is touted as a concept album, but, as with many concept albums, that doesn’t really matter, and the only time it truly comes through is at the end of the closer, “Waiting Room,” when the bucolic jam morphs into tinny radio quality and an alarm clock can be heard cutting through the music. But a dreamlike mystery and expansiveness is indeed evident on tracks like the absolutely epic “Find Your Way,” which features some of the best songwriting on the album and all the shredding you could possibly want from guitarist Chris Houser.  

Artist: The Werks
Album: Inside A Dream
Label: Self-Released