The Dream Machine

The Dream Machine

The Dream Machine are an indie rock quartet from New Brighton, the seaside suburb of Wallasey in Merseyside, England. Formed in 2021, the group draws on psychedelia and garage rock, with an approach that also reflects the darker, more dramatic side of British post-punk and neo-psychedelia.

Formation and members

The band forms around lead singer and multi-instrumentalist Zak McDonnell and fellow multi-instrumentalist Matthew Gouldson, who begin playing together in early 2020. Bassist Jack Inchboard joins later that year, and drummer Isaac Salisbury completes the lineup in early 2021. McDonnell’s musical background is shaped by his father’s activity as a musician, and he also works at Parr St. Studios in Liverpool before the band’s career develops.

Before forming The Dream Machine, McDonnell plays drums from a young age and appears in an early version of Lia Metcalfe’s the Mysterines at 13. He also makes brief appearances on recordings by the Coral and Blossoms. Gouldson is also described as a close friend and fellow multi-instrumentalist.

Earlier connections

McDonnell’s family links to music extend through his father David McDonnell, who works in a Wallasey guitar shop before forming the Sand Band. The Sand Band release the indie folk album All Through the Night in 2011. David McDonnell also plays with Richard Ashcroft’s live band and is an occasional member of the Coral, touring their 2005 album Invisible Invasion and contributing to Roots & Echoes in the studio.

James Skelly of the Coral encourages Zak McDonnell to begin writing songs on guitar. McDonnell later becomes a touring member of Skelly’s band while remaining central to The Dream Machine.

Recordings and releases

The Dream Machine release their debut EP, Vol. 1: Sacraments, through Run On, an imprint of Modern Sky, in 2021. Later that year they issue Vol. 2: On the Water, a release shaped by nights spent watching the sea from New Brighton’s promenade. In 2022 they follow with the EP Vol. 3: Pooch Slingers’ Wild Round-Up!.

These three releases are later compiled into an LP, which comes out around their appearance at Kendal Calling. The band then tours in support of Wigan group the Lathums and continues releasing singles and EPs that lead toward their debut album.

Debut album and live work

Their debut album, Thank God! It’s the Dream Machine…, is recorded in late 2021 on an eight-track machine in the band’s rehearsal room and released in 2023. A UK tour follows, ending with a support slot for the Lathums at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl, where McDonnell also plays percussion for the headline act.

In early 2022, the band holds a three-date residency at Jimmy’s in Liverpool and also plays support shows with the Coral. Their work is closely tied to the Merseyside music scene and to the Coral’s orbit in particular.