American Dream represents a high point for Murphy, not only as a songwriter, but also as a meticulous sonic architect and an exuberant performer. He’s constructed and executed most of these songs on his own. Sometimes they’re mind-bendingly knotty, but they’re always immensely satisfying. As the album progresses, a slow burn early on, synth flourishes, drum beats, and guitar riffs build to tantric levels of foreplay without obvious climaxes.
