Dreams Less Sweet cover

Dreams Less Sweet

Psychic TV · 1983

43 min · 19 tracks · techno

A surreal blend of experimental soundscapes and ambient textures, evoking a dreamlike state of consciousness.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Orchids Start here — This track combines ethereal vocals with layered synthesizers to create an immersive atmosphere, representing the album's dreamlike qualities.
  • →
    Always Is Always — Its repetitive structure and hypnotic beat exemplify the emerging techno influences while maintaining the band's experimental edge.
  • →
    Eden 1 — The juxtaposition of serene melodies against unsettling sound effects illustrates Psychic TV's unique approach to blending beauty with discomfort.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration of themes
  • haunting soundscapes for reflection
  • short tracks encourage replay
  • wave-like pacing for immersion
  • dreamlike atmosphere for contemplation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — The album features a surreal blend of soundscapes, marking a departure from earlier styles.
Themes
acid house experimentation· surreal soundscapes· dreamlike consciousness
Career context
Released in January 1983, 'Dreams Less Sweet' marked Psychic TV's third album, following the more industrial and provocative 'Force the Hand of Chance.' At this point in their career, the band was experimenting with a more abstract and fragmented approach to music, reflecting their evolving artistic identity and ties to the burgeoning acid house scene in the UK.
Stylistic neighbors
Aphex Twin· The Black Dog· Boards of Canada
New to Psychic TV? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Hymn 23 0:42
  • 2 The Orchids Start here 2:58
  • 3 Botanica 0:41
  • 4 Iron Glove 1:56
  • 5 Always Is Always 1:39
  • 6 White Nights 3:54
  • 7 Finale 1:33
  • 8 Eleusis 2:08
  • 9 Medmenham 0:52
  • 10 Ancient Lights 2:37
  • 11 Proof on Survival 2:24
  • 12 Eden 1 4:04
  • 13 Eden 2 3:30
  • 14 Eden 3 1:33
  • 15 Clouds Without Water 2:38
  • 16 Black Moon 1:30
  • 17 Silver and Gold 2:15
  • 18 In the Nursery 5:11
  • 19 Circle 1:20

What to play next

Those Who Do Not
Listen next

Those Who Do Not

1984

Continues the experimental sound exploration with deeper themes and textures.
Force the Hand of Chance
Go back to

Force the Hand of Chance

1982

Sets a foundation in experimental sounds leading into the surrealism of Dreams Less Sweet.
Full Psychic TV discography Where to start with Psychic TV Artists like Psychic TV
techno

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

The Orb's Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld

The Orb's Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld

The Orb

Shares a similar dreamlike quality with ambient textures and surreal sound explorations.

Selected Ambient Works 85–92

Selected Ambient Works 85–92

Aphex Twin

Both explore abstract soundscapes, merging experimentalism with a sense of consciousness.

Ambient 1: Music for Airports

Ambient 1: Music for Airports

Brian Eno

Focuses on ethereal sound layers that evoke a tranquil, dreamlike atmosphere.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata