Allie Crow Buckley - Utopian Fantasy (Album Review)

By Abby Hunt

As you enter into the fantastical world of Buckley’s sophomore project, you are greeted with the opening track Greatest Hits, a surreal synth ballad, which warmly welcomes you down a garden path of yearning and electronic bliss. 

Melancholic confidence lies within each lyric of the project. Emotions of uncertainty and questioning are evoked by self-deprecating lines intertwined with juxtaposing statements of strength and assured quips. Whilst heavy drums and synths support Buckley’s lyrics with a sense of optimism and humour. 

Throughout, Buckley’s voice remains reminiscent of folk artists and poets such as Joni Mitchell while confidently carrying the twinkling charm of alternative indie and pop; thus, enshrining Buckley as a confident opener for Maggie Rogers’ 2019 tour, and Declan Mckenna in 2023. 

The title track Utopian Fantasy offers a showcase of dance electronica instrumentals alongside otherworldly orchestral and whimsical samples. These weave through the track, running into the second half of the album, supported by Buckley’s choral vocals. Which are strongly showcased in the single Dreamboat Soulmate (co-written and performed alongside Declan McKenna) - both voices delivering sentiments of gentle gothic yearning and subtle sarcasm.

Buckley’s ten track fantasy offers listeners a mythological cruise, filled with surrealist commentary and jovial observations to feast on, served alongside a 31-minute sonic escape.