Inspired by the 60’s rock ballads of The Doors and the soulful melodies of Kimbra, Illinois 18-year-old Dylan Gardner kick starts his solo career with the album Adventures in Real Time.
Signed with Big Deal Music Publishing in 2013, Gardner co-produced his debut pop album with John Dragonetti of the Submarines. He later signed with Warner Bros. Records who saw the potential of Adventures in Real Time.
The album is an impressive feat for an up and coming artist, especially considering that Gardner himself wrote every song on the CD. The songs are tasteful and cheerful, making it easy for listeners to fall in love with their enticing rhythms. Adventures in Real Time has great musicality by incorporating diverse instrumentals while remaining in the realm of pop.
Gardner came to fame after uploading a cover of the Beatles’ final album Abbey Road on YouTube. Singing 15 seconds of each song within the album, Gardner made a 3 minute cover dedicated to the legendary band album.
“Abbey Road has always stuck with me as an incredible ending note for a great career that the Beatles have put together. It’s just me around the house having a blast covering my heroes,” Gardner said.
The singer-songwriter is heavily influenced by the Beatles, in fact the album’s first words are “I’ll be John and you be Yoko,” on the track “Let’s Get Started.” The song has an upbeat melodic catchiness paired with sweet love lyrics that will leave listeners nodding along to the beat. Catching the ears of numerous listeners on Spotify “Let’s Get Started” hit over 3 million listens as well as being featured on Spotify’s “Smart Is the New Sexy” playlist and late night host Conan O’Brien’s website.
“Heroes Tonight” has an optimistic outlook paired with funky guitar riffs. The song is about dreaming and embracing dreams to the fullest with the lyrics, “In the midnight, up in the sky, we’ll all be heroes tonight, I’m the king of the world, nothing’s gonna stop me.”
“I’m Nothing Without You” has a rather indie pop vibe to it, with a vast array of instruments including a heavy drum beat, electronic rhythms, guitar riffs, and piano.
“I Think I’m Falling for Something” starts with a powerful trumpet blare aiding its infectious, euphonic tone.
Unlike most of Gardner’s upbeat tracks “The Actor” has a down to earth acoustic tempo. The lyrics are poetic and a result of self reflection. Gardner compares himself to an actor singing about innermost struggles and the pains that one must endure when facing them alone. He sings, “Please don’t leave me now; I’ve lost my way and I don’t know what it is or what I should say, I’ve played the role just a little too far.”
All in all, Gardner’s Adventures in Real Time is a fantastic debut. It displays his incredible singing, songwriting and instrumental talent. The album is raving with its positive musicality and happy medleys.
The Hilights
Album Title: “Adventures in Real Time”
Release date: May 13, 2014
Cost: $19.98 (CD), $9.99 (iTunes), $7 (Bandcamp)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars