After putting in time with fellow Edmontonian Mac DeMarco in Makeout Videotape, Alex packed away his drums to perfect his songwriting. Moving back to his mother’s house, he was able to write and record his first solo efforts in 2013.

Alex Calder’s sophomore release with Captured Tracks is as familiar as it is foreign—bringing together both various melodies and texture to create tidy, acid-induced pop sequences. Although drawing from a similar arsenal of influences, Strange Dreams sees more focus of Alex’s songwriting, and to all aspects of his music, delivering an incredibly personal and intimate album that feels mature while still maintaining the youthful humor that has become his trademark.

Tight rhythms tie down whirling guitars, sparkling textures bounce off of timeless melodies, and ambition beyond humble means are realized in Alex Calder’s latest album. Ghostly vibes find their way into songs that possess a certain sense of urgency, as is unmistakably evident in his lead single “Strange Dreams.”

1. Retract
2. Strange Dreams
3. Out Of My Head
4. Memory Resolve
5. The Morning
6. Marcel
7. Lola
8. No Device
9. Life Purpose (featuring Caitlin Loney)
10. Mid Life Holiday
11. Someone