Noonday Dream

Noonday Dream marks the definitive transition of Ben Howard from a mainstream-adjacent folk artist to a vanguard of experimental ambient pop. Released in 2018, the album was produced by Howard himself and recorded across various locations including South West France and South West England, which likely contributed to its sprawling, unhurried character. Departing from the more aggressive, dark rock of 'I Forget Where We Were', this record embraces a 'liquid' sound palette defined by extensive use of the Roland Space Echo and intricate layering. Critics noted its challenging nature; while some hailed it as a masterpiece of atmosphere, others found its lack of hooks polarizing. The album features a more collaborative band feel, with significant contributions from multi-instrumentalist Mickey Smith. It stands as Howard's most critically acclaimed work for its sonic ambition and cohesive, dream-like narrative arc.