W: Mandy Morgan.

The Halloween Dream EP, the latest offering from the duo of childhood friends Jon and Michael, is a testament to their dedicated DIY ethic. Written, recorded, mixed, and produced entirely at home, this release finds the Welsh genre-agnostics further expanding their already uncategorized sound, moving from sequenced synths into the territory of atmospheric electronica and acoustic indie rock anthems.

This EP marks a noticeable departure for the collaborators, who have previously released two albums and a string of singles. Musically, it’s the first time an acoustic guitar has taken a prominent role. Lyrically, Michael steps away from his usual narrative and character studies toward something more personal and impressionistic. As Michael notes, the acoustic sound "makes me want to write more personally, and at the same time more impressionistically. These songs are more vibes-based than I would have expected from us.”

The lead track, "Delta Rain," exemplifies this shift. Jon describes it as their "most immersive" work yet, built on layered acoustic textures cutting across warm analog synths and a deep bass bed. The result is a swooning slice of atmospheric electronica—an anthemic ode to the feeling of a new place instantly feeling like home.

Similarly, "October Kind" is an intricate labyrinth of piano and guitar jangle, painting the intangibles of Autumn—the quality of light, the contrast of cold and warmth, and the accompanying nostalgia. The video's dive into found-footage Halloween celebrations across decades highlights a unifying sense of shared human experience

The EP is rounded out by a powerful, warped cover of Super Furry Animals’ "The Man Don’t Give A Fuck." This first-ever cover twist the original into a new shape, finding a surprising intensity that contrasts with the EP’s more serene moments. Jon explains that the original track suits their current mood as a "multi-purpose protest song," providing license to express anger that doesn't often feature in their work. The production here is characteristically dense, with over a hundred tracks intended to create a chaotic feeling that shifts depending on the listening equipment—a deliberate challenge to passive consumption.

Jon and Michael are clear about their artistic mission: they are making music that demands to be listened to. It's dense, detailed, and specifically not lifestyle or background music. They embrace being "algorithm-unfriendly," comfortable relying on independent radio, blogs, and word-of-mouth in their small, particular niche. Their goal isn't massive reach, but to "make our art and have a few people connect with it, if we’re lucky."

The Halloween Dream EP is a rewarding listen for those willing to give their attention. It successfully marries the duo's intricate production style with a newfound, emotionally resonant intimacy, proving that DIY dedication can yield richly textured and deeply felt music.