By: Staff
We had heard a lot about SHEARS and were eager to experience this multi-talented artist and producer’s latest release, and we were more than pleasantly surprised.
The dynamic synth-driven opening of “BAD DREAM” created an intoxicating sensation, immediately immersing us in its sonic landscape. From the outset, the track introduced a striking duality, on one side, a pulsating, spacey synth beat, and on the other, ethereal, expressive vocals. Though both elements existed within the same composition, they felt distinctly separate, like independent forces coexisting in a delicate balance. This divergence was mesmerizing, making us feel as though we were navigating a glass spaceship, enveloped by beams of refracted light hitting us from all directions. The music seemed to come from all directions; from behind us, above us, all the while our minds raced to chase each note as it struck. The sensation of movement within the song was nothing short of extraordinary. The interplay of sonic layers crafted by SHEARS was undeniably masterful, producing an exhilaratingly dizzying effect that was both immersive and electrifying.
Then came the vocals. Delivered in a breathy falsetto, they defied expectations. On paper, this style shouldn’t seamlessly blend with such a track, where intricate synths and cosmic, rhythmic randomness dominate, an R&B-tinged vocal delivery could easily clash. Yet, the opposite occurred. SHEARS’ voice didn’t merely accompany the production; it floated above and wove through it, ebbing and flowing like its own undulating wave. The rhythm, phrasing, and sheer fluidity of the delivery were utterly captivating.
The haunting repetition of
“Baaaaaad dream / wake me”
created an almost tangible force, pulling and releasing, drawing closer before receding, again and again. The effect was hypnotic, as though the voice itself was reaching out from the ether, demanding to be felt. And then, just when we thought we had settled into its gravitational pull, SHEARS emerged with embellishments so striking they floored us.
Every synth swell, every percussive fill, SHEARS navigated them all with impeccable precision and emotional depth. Her voice sliced through the track like beams of light piercing dense clouds, simultaneously commanding and weightless. Each element maintained its own distinct space, yet together they formed a forcefield that gripped the senses. The result was an enthralling fusion of psychedelia and electronica, a sonic hallucination that was both tantalizing and transportive. SHEARS has the rare ability to make sound feel tangible, shaping music into a sensory experience that is both cerebral and visceral.
As if the auditory journey weren’t enough, pairing it with the visualizer deepened the immersion. The imagery, disjointed, scattered thoughts materializing from all angles mirrored the song’s ability to overwhelm in the most thrilling way. The contrast of elation and sensory overload was perfectly executed, visually and audibly capturing the essence of the music’s layered intensity. The lyrics’ exploration of being diagnosed, defined, and confined by external perceptions, especially ones rooted in sexism resonated powerfully. When combined with the sheer force of the track’s production and the onslaught of sensory stimuli, SHEARS delivered an exceptional, thought-provoking, and emotionally evocative experience.
“BAD DREAM” is an auditory phenomenon, a masterclass in sonic manipulation that left us really impressed.
Scottish artist and producer SHEARS returns with a bold new track and visually striking video for “BAD DREAM.”
The song delves into the frustrations of sexism in the music industry, channeling SHEARS’ signature fusion of candid, razor-sharp lyricism, pulsating dance rhythms, and a shimmering pop sensibility. Drawing from personal experiences, she crafts a track that resonates both sonically and thematically, balancing introspective vulnerability with an undeniable club energy.
SHEARS describes “BAD DREAM” as a reflection on feeling trapped by external perceptions. “It’s about feeling stuck in other people’s narratives about you, like being caught in a bad dream,” she explains. “I understand where it comes from—it’s the story we’ve been told for so long—but I also don’t, because it’s so obviously outdated now.”
The accompanying animated video, created by designer Genevieve Ryan, visually amplifies this concept. “The animation dives into someone’s mind during a difficult moment,” Ryan notes. “They’re trapped by circumstances, locked in a loop of negative thoughts—until they finally break free and emerge as a queen.”
SHEARS is a powerhouse creative force, writing, recording, producing, and mixing her own electronic music from her home studio in Leith, Edinburgh. “BAD DREAM” follows her acclaimed debut EP, “Now We’re Getting Somewhere” (2024), further cementing her reputation as an innovative and self-sufficient artist.
Her live performances are a one-woman spectacle, incorporating intricate sample layering, live percussion, synth manipulation, and dynamic vocals. Influences like Grimes, Caribou, Sassy 009, and Marina seep into her work, yet she carves a space that is entirely her own.
Beyond her solo endeavors, SHEARS is also an active member of Glasgow’s female and non-binary songwriting collective Hen Hoose, contributing production and remixes to various artists across the scene.
With her debut album currently in the works, SHEARS continues to push sonic boundaries, crafting music that is as thought-provoking as it is electrifying.
You can find this release on any major platform—make sure to playlist, stream, and share “BAD DREAM” by SHEARS.
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