The Dream Machine turn heartache into harmony on new single ‘Things That Make Us Cry’
The Dream Machine returns with their new single ‘Things That Make Us Cry,’ out now via Run On Records.
Drawn from Fort Perch Rock, ‘Things That Make Us Cry’ finds The Dream Machine leaning into a rich, analogue-driven wall of sound that balances melancholy and uplift. The track channels classic pop melancholy through modern alternative framing, blending found instruments, sweeping arrangements, and anthemic momentum. While rooted in themes of loss and resignation, the song pairs its emotional weight with expansive instrumentation designed to lift as much as it aches, positioning sadness and hope side by side.
Musically, the single reflects a deep reverence for 1960s and 1970s pop craftsmanship, filtering the emotional directness of girl groups and the grandeur of Phil Spector-era production through a contemporary lens. Out-of-tune piano lines and unconventional percussion textures give the track a raw intimacy, while its layered approach reinforces The Dream Machine’s ability to transform vulnerability into something widescreen and communal.
Songwriter and lead vocalist Zak McDonnell says:
“‘Things That Make Us Cry’ is me doing my best Phil Spector and Brian Wilson impression. It was recorded on an out-of-tune piano and a massive kettle drum that I think somebody found in a skip. It’s a total admittance and eventual acceptance that everything is falling apart. I remember working on it in the morning on a piano in Toulouse on tour, with the sun beating through an open door. It’s a pretty sad song for such an amazing time.”
‘Things That Make Us Cry’ is available now on all streaming platforms.
We’ve covered The Dream Machine previously: ‘Flowers on the Razor Wire.’
Connect with The Dream Machine:
Stay up to date with The Daily Music Report’s latest music news & releases. Check out the most exciting and important music news here.
We’re an independent, ad-free music publication, and we rely on the support of readers like you to keep things running. If you enjoy what we do, consider buying us a beer—every contribution helps us stay focused on bringing you quality music news without the clutter.