Dronefly Tag

Dronefly cover art

Dronefly: 10th Anniversary Remaster of the Dream Pop EP

Ten years ago today, we released a special project that holds a unique place in the Overlook Hotel Records catalog. The self-titled EP from Dronefly arrived with a blend of dream pop, shoegaze, and indie rock that still resonates a decade later.

To celebrate this milestone, the entire four-track EP has been remastered in 2024 and is now available on all of the usual streaming sites as well as for purchase/download on Bandcamp.

A Decade of Dronefly

Originally released on May 1, 2014, Dronefly was a collaboration that brought together distinct voices from the label’s roster. The project features the ethereal vocals and lyrics of Deanna Quijada (Trinity & Triage), supported by the intricate guitar work of Mike Chambers and the multi-instrumental production of Kevin Hartnell.

The result is a sound that balances the hazy, atmospheric textures of shoegaze with the melodic sensibilities of alternative rock. It is music for the “space between chords,” as one reviewer noted, a polished, weighted sound that feels like sinking into a comfortable chair.

Critical Reception

Upon its initial release, Dronefly garnered praise for its cohesive vibe and polished production.

Eric at NoObject highlighted the EP’s use of space, stating: “It’s the space between chords, between drum hits and between vocal lines that makes ‘Closer’ an incredible opener… Playing to the strengths of shoegaze as a genre, the track gives off a smooth weighted feeling.”

Samantha at TheEqualGround noted the band’s versatility: “All four of the songs on Dronefly’s album evoke a different vibe but they all so brilliantly coexist. This, to me, is a sure sign of a band that has potential.”

The 2024 Remaster

The new 2024 remaster, handled by the enigmatic Hector the Rat at the Overlook Hotel, breathes new life into these recordings. The layers of synths, Mellotron, and guitars are clearer, and Deanna’s vocals sit perfectly in the mix, inviting listeners to get lost in the “doldrums” and “forever light.”

Whether you are a long-time fan or discovering this gem for the first time, this anniversary edition is the definitive way to experience the EP.

Lyrics

“Doldrums”
Sunlight let us in
The world is prone to spin
When what is fast goes slow
When sleep is hope

I swallow a pill and call it life
And hope that the drug will make me right
Out of sight or mind
And will they always follow?

This fight I can win
I’ll make the earth stop
Till I
Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up
Again, again

I swallow a pill and call it life
And hope that the drug will make me right
Out of sight or mind
And will they always follow?

Where I go
Where I go
Deep in this hole
Here I am

Hey, I cannot begin to keep up with madness
This is the world we know
Did you fall in right after I went?
I am not alone
Not alone

Swallow a pill and call it life
And hope that the drug will
(Here I go)
Make me right
Out of sight or mind
Will they always follow?

“Forever Light”
Saw you happy alone
Knew we would get along
And in your eyes my feeling
Touch the silent kind

It would be a hassle
A social convention
I’m not much for ceremony
Inconvenient, but
Would you bother?
If we had to marry each other?
I believe we’re getting close
Las Vegas knows
Forever light

In the light I can see
You are standing with me
And in this moment I’m so happy
To be here
Because your eyes shine
With the neon light and love

It would be a hassle
A social convention
I’m not much for ceremony
Inconvenient, but
Would you bother?
If we had to marry each other?
I believe we’re getting close
Las Vegas knows
Forever light

Stream the EP

Check it out and have a great day!

#Dronefly #DreamPop #Shoegaze #IndieRock #OverlookHotelRecords

Stream and Download

Purchase on Bandcamp

Recommendations

Fans of atmospheric indie pop might also enjoy the following tracks from our artists roster:

Dronefly EP cover art

Dronefly EP: Debut Dream Pop Release on Overlook Hotel Records

Dronefly EP cover art

Dronefly EP Released on Overlook Hotel Records

Overlook Hotel Records is proud to announce the release of the self-titled debut EP from Dronefly.

Overlook Hotel Records has released the very first EP from dream pop/shoegaze/indie rock trio Dronefly! The 4-track EP features subtle and sublime guitar textures with vocals ranging from delicate to majestic to create a highly dynamic listening experience.

The project features the collaborative talents of Mike Chambers (Guitars, Bass, Keyboards), Deanna Quijada (Vocals, Lyrics), and myself, Kevin Hartnell (Drums, Percussion, Synths). Together, we have aimed to create a soundscape that fans of 4AD, FatCat, Slumberland Records, and highly melodic atmospheric music will find right at home in their music collections.

Early Reviews & Reception

We are thrilled to see the EP already garnering positive attention from music blogs.

Eric from NoObject writes:
“SPACE. Not outer space. Not the space bar. But SPACE. It’s the space between chords, between drum hits and between vocal lines that makes “Closer” an incredible opener. A soft harmonic ringing carries me from section to section. Playing to the strengths of shoegaze as a genre, the track gives off a smooth weighted feeling… Dronefly is a very polished EP. There’s no sharp corners or excessive noise. But its exactly this neatness that makes me want more…”

Samantha from TheEqualGround says:
“All four of the songs on Dronefly’s album evoke a different vibe but they all so brilliantly coexist. This, to me, is a sure sign of a band that has potential.”

Stream the Dronefly EP

The EP is available now for free streaming or download.

Spotify:

Bandcamp:

Tracklist & Credits

Tracklist:

  1. Closer (04:18)
  2. Doldrums (03:18)
  3. Joysticks (03:42)
  4. Forever Light (04:43)

Album Credits:
All songs written by Dronefly. Produced by Kevin Hartnell and Dronefly.

  • Mike Chambers: Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
  • Deanna Quijada: Vocals, Lyrics
  • Kevin Hartnell: Drums, Percussion, Mellotron, Synths, Guitars, Bass

Mixed by Kevin Hartnell and mastered by Hector the Rat at the Overlook Hotel. Artwork and design by Hector the Rat for Overlook Hotel Records.

Lyrics: “Closer”

On planet where I / First encountered your kind
Where fingers beam and ripples burn / For a whisper of sky
Contemplating your eyes / Could you transmit to my world?
Distant beam of cooling light

I’ll bring you closer / I’ll bring you closer
I’ll bring you close / Close / Close

On the planet where I / First encountered your sigh
The sweetest aria / Was I calling your name
As you floated in space / Unaware of my cry?
Distant beam of cooling light

I’ll bring you closer / I’ll bring you closer
I’ll bring you close / So close now
You’ll share my every doubt / So close now

©2014 Overlook Hotel Records. Catalog R237-009.