Some Sad Surf

This Dum Dum Girls elpee Only In Dreams is as deceptive as the sea, all shimmering fun and waves of reverb on the surface, but with an undertow of sadness that stems from the death of lead Dum Dum Dee Dee Penny’s mother. Penny’s lyrics and emotional delivery give the songs the heft and depth needed to make them something more than a slab of inoffensive rock to throw on at a party.

For the most part, the tracks on Only In Dreams sound like The Pretenders doing The Safaris, with the exception of “Coming Down,” which could have been lifted straight from a lost Mazzy Star songbook.

Nothing earth-shatteringly new happens here musically, which in this case, might be what makes it such a strong record. There’s comfort in familiarity, and comfort is likely what Ms. Penny needed.