When one thinks of the Dream Syndicate, it’s not just the wild abandon with which singer/guitarist Steve Wynn, drummerDennis Duck, bassist Mark Walton, and lead guitarist Jason Victor perform – it’s the carefully constructed songwriting of Wynnthat comes to mind. By now every rock critic in the country has predetermined who he or she feels Wynn reminds them of andwhat they think of that style of songs. This time, don’t! Which brings us to The Universe Inside. Every article or review ever writtenwill claim “this is new and different” – well, it is! Just look at the song lengths: 20:27, 7:36, 8:56, 9:55 and 10:53. Ok, sure – theSyndicate have occasionally committed a long song to vinyl, “John Coltrane Stereo Blues” was 9 minutes with live versions overthe ten-minute mark.

For the first time, every song is a group songwriting effort. What seeps in are Dennis Duck’s knowledge of European avant-gardemusic, Jason Victor’s passion for 70s prog, Mark Walton’s experience in Southern-fried music collectives and Wynn’s love of vintageelectric jazz. The dazzling display of album cover artwork alone should clue you into the changes. But don’t take our word for it.Dive in!

• - 1 -

  • 1. 1. the Regulator - 20:27
  • 2. 2. the Longing - 7:36

• - 2 -

  • 1. 3. Apropos of Nothing - 8:56
  • 2. 4. Dusting Off the Rust - 9:55
  • 3. 5. the Slowest Rendition - 10:58