Troye Sivan has always been a pretty universally likeable artist. In 2015, he released his debut album “Blue Neighborhood,” a lush, electropop success that deeply resonated with millions of young adults navigating romance and suburbia. Come 2018, he gave the world “Bloom,” a sleek pop record that dominated the radio with sticky, summery tracks like “My My My!”.
His career promised a bright future of sold-out arenas and chart-topping albums—but then the pandemic swept the world with similar vigor and Troye was forced to return to his home in Melbourne indefinitely.
On March 20, about a week after isolation became a reality for many, Troye shared a cryptic Instagram post: “WE’RE GOING ROGUE,” he wrote under a color-inverted silhouette of himself, “I WOULD LIKE TO RELEASE NEW MUSIC I JUST DECIDED.” He then proceeded to recruit freelance artists to help develop his new creation, intending to share his own creative joy and financial stability with those who aren’t as fortunate.
Come August 21, he finally released the project. Effortlessly revisiting the same blue nostalgia that saturated his debut album, “In a Dream” sees Troye indulging the informal discohesion of an EP to create his most densely authentic and eclectic work yet.
“Take Yourself Home,” the leading single and first track of the EP, opens by crooning the listener with Troye’s personal addresses to his lover. The tone is set for the rest of the project—you can’t help but wonder if you should be listening in or not. The supple, viscerally intimate pleas towards his lover are balanced by the thrilling, expansive chorus that drips of reckless city freedom. By the time the outro rolls around, Troye completely breaks free from formulaic pop structure, hitting us with an unapologetic house outro that nods to the distinct, underground sound of gay clubs. It’s clear that he has taken control of his identity and role as a queer artist—and it’s a theme prevalent throughout the EP.
Accordingly, Troye shines brightest on “STUD,” an intoxicating, playful interpretation of risqué queer temptation and body comparisons in same-sex relationships. The bass-driven pre-chorus vividly mimics Troye’s quickening heartbeat as he coerces his lover to ignore his ‘un-studlike’ physique: “just let me believe that, you like what you’re seeing.” Behind his seductive jokes that play with the tale of Genesis: “my body’s the apple you’re eating,” Troye still treads with vulnerability. He piningly looks to his lover—he is buff, muscular—everything Troye “is not.” He prods out of insecurity, timidly asking “how much of me would you change, on second thought, don’t say a thing,” not wanting to spoil the casual undertone or ruin the fragile sex appeal he has going for him.
“Easy” takes a much softer turn from the brazen house and electropop, opting for a standard 80’s pop beat adorned with charming writing, pillowy vocals, and glittery synths. But, the track falls a little flat for me—its production feels a little hollow and drips of untapped potential. The entire song feels quite held back, possessing a striking need for more dynamic instrumentation and assertive vocals.
Overall though, In a Dream is a stunning record that showcases Troye’s raw versatility, brought to light by isolation. It draws inspiration from underground house music, JPOP, indie pop, Troye provides a much needed voice for real queer stories. He has solidified himself not only as a competent, well-rounded artist, but as an inspiration to everyone regardless of their sexual orientation.