Australian singer-songwriter Troye Sivan released his fifth extended play (EP), In A Dream, on August 21, 2020. Through EMI Music Australia and Capitol Records, the said six-track EP is a follow-up to Sivan’s 2018 sophomore album, Bloom. 

The EP is also produced by Swedish producer Oscar Michael Gorres (OzGo) and American record producer Teo Halm.

In an interview with Billboard, Sivan stated that his new music “explores an emotional rollercoaster period in my life.” From reminiscing to conquering such moments, the artist now shares this personal collection of melodious stories to everyone. This “concept EP” lingers on heartfelt emotions wherein for Sivan, it’s tough to revisit.

Similar to WILD (2015), In a Dream consists of songs that seem to offer another dose of nostalgia beneath one’s soul as it gives the “Blue Neighborhood” album vibes.

Take care, darlin’ 

Memories continue to flaunt over after having those long, lost mundane experiences. Sivan’s latest singles radiate a “feeling down? listen to this track” energy for a good night sleep, or even a quarantine boost.

Surely, the quarantine didn’t hinder the singer from writing and producing music.

A bop song on its own, “Easy” is an 80s disco style of music that kind of gives off Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Summer Love” vibe. The song makes you want to cry and dance at the same time—“This house is on fire, woo! Burning the tears right off my face.” Despite the sad and somber lyrics, the track is still a banger which is perfect for your “modern 80s” playlist. 

Its slowed and reverb version, however, lingers a hypnotizing aura that complements its heartbreaking lyrics and alluring instrumentation. Also, "Easy" has other language lyric videos released such as French, Portugese, Spanish, German, (Traditional and Simplified) Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Korean versions. 

Meanwhile, the third single “Rager teenager!” is another sensual track that can be linked to the underrated-must-be-appreciated “Swimming Pools” song. With lyrics, “Where you been hanging out lately? (You) Sleeping and spending nights, wasting time,” Sivan gives emphasis on missing the pre-pandemic season of being wild, performing in a crowd, and of course, his “little rager teenager” self with freedom. 

These sneak peek EP tracks have already driven listeners wild alongside a speck of an insight: “what a heavenly way to die…what a time to be alive.”

Supplementary Recommendations

• “Take Yourself Home” — a safe haven song with sudden beat drops as a banger-ender. This track seems to have a mixed rhythm of “SUBURBIA” and “My My My!” tunes. Take time to reminisce with these lyrics, “Who you really tryna be when you see your face? Is it worth it trying to win in a losing game?,” and scream with Troye as you both “die somewhere pretty.”
• "IN A DREAM" — the EP’s closing track is yet another fast-paced bop. With lyrics,  “Guess I might understand it if you don’t listen to me. Would’ve thought it was obvious. You don’t show up in a dream. Guess I even forgive you for you not wanting to leave,” solidifies the EP’s concept of an emotional rollercoaster. 

• "STUD" — the track features heavy on club music production. Similar to “Take Yourself Home,” you can’t stop listening to a banger beat. One of the verses goes, “But how much of me would you take? But how much of me would you change? On second thought, don’t say a thing (‘Cause you’re the one for right now).”
• “could cry just thinkin about you” — this serves as the EP’s filler track. Sivan seemingly longs for someone with the lyrics, “Every line I write is something about you. Every guy I want looks something just like you. Every book I read I only read for you. Every art piece is just to remind you. I don’t know who I am, with or without you.” Now, isn’t this a mood? Even though the middle track is less than a minute long, it cuts too deep for people who've lost someone but they’re still too attached. As the title suggests, even when you’re thinking about them, you’d break down into tears. 

Listen on repeat and still yearn for more. The "In a Dream" EP pulls you back to 2015; as if you didn't see the future—moments before disaster—2020 coming. Something we can be thankful for this lonesome quarantine is wonderful music. Sivan delivers a solid six-track EP filled with heartfelt longing for companionship which most of us can relate to during these times.

Truly, Sivan proves that he is the "perfect pop star" for garnering over eight billion streams and counting.

Rating: 4/5