The Athens, GA-based band Dream Boat is a collaboration between Dan Donahue and Page Campbell, two notable artists in Athens’ psychedelic scene, as well as two Aquarians, who coincidentally share the same birthday. And with the release of the band’s debut effort, Eclipsing, the band received quite a bit of attention nationally, including praise from the likes of Paste and PopMatters for a lush, ethereal and dreamy sound befitting their name.

The Rose Explodes is the much-anticipated follow up to the band’s critically applauded debut effort, and from the release of the first two singles from the album, “Way Out” and “Escape,” the band has continued their reputation for crafting an lush and ethereal sound; however, their latest effort is much more percussive and at times forceful than it’s predecessor. “Escape” is probably the most atmospheric single on the album as it consists of Campbell’s spectral croon, backed by several tracks of her vocals in a way that bears a resemblance to the chorus of Greek plays; pulsating synths and industrial drums. In some way, it evokes the sound of water lapping against the bow of a boat or of smoke climbing up a window before dissipating.