Album Review
4 StarsThe sound of a band carrying this emotional weight with remarkable elegance, and possibly even a sense of optimism.
Reviewer: Joe Goggins
Released: 17th October 2025
Label: Memphis Industries
Poliça has always been associated with a certain darkness; their music is often steeped in a brooding atmosphere, making them experts in creating soundtracks for long, introspective, dark nights of the soul. This might be why their first album since 2020, and fifth overall, comes as a surprise - after a challenging few years for the art-pop group, one might expect them to present a sonically somber album. However, ‘Dreams Go’ is indeed a record that carries a significant emotional burden, as it includes the final recordings of bassist and founding member Chris Bierden, who can no longer play due to glioblastoma. Yet, this album showcases a band handling their emotional load with remarkable grace, and perhaps even a hint of optimism. Their sound now carries a new lightness, emphasizing Channy Leaneagh’s vocals instead of layering them under synths. The result is hazy and beautiful, evident in the delicate, minimalist ‘Revival’ and the stunning lullaby of ‘She Knows Me’, which is so stripped down that it feels gossamer-thin. Even when exploring familiar Poliça territory with dense electronics and programmed drums, there are signs of reinvention - take the ambient sections of ‘Wasted Me’ or the light tempo of ‘Wound Up’. The title track concludes the album on an upbeat note, confronting the demise of dreams with determination and defiance - thus marking a new chapter for the band.
In anticipation of the significant day later this week, this special edition of DIY provides you with detailed information on all 12 albums that made the shortlist.
The ultimate guide to the 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist by DIY.
A profoundly moving and captivating full-length piece that will linger in the minds of listeners well after it has finished.
The music of a band carrying that emotional depth with remarkable grace, and possibly even a sense of hope.