Reviews: Fooled By Dreams

An iconic soul artist in association with Miles High Productions, Marty Appel hails from Charleston, United States. A special symbol of steady rhythms, awe-inspiring sonic themes, and vocals in rock, Marty caters to every rock & roller who has a special place in their heart for the golden era of the 60s and 70s. Drawing inferences from JJ Cale, early Eric Clapton and the Band, to name a few, Appel’s style is nothing less than authentic, all while standing out as niche. With lots of critical acclaim and immersive songs already winning our hearts with their subtle guitar notions, Marty has got a lot for fans of patient listens and warmth in rock.  ‘Fooled By Dreams’ feels like showing your silly mistakes in life a mirror, and talks about all the supposed drives of action and change you adored and took on, but they didn’t lead up to the kind of outcome you imagined. You get into the daydreams of false achievements, trying to catch something that’s fated to run away. Filled with pulsating guitar riffs, classic rock energy and a playful and timeless vocal spirit, this is cinematic, rich and everything that moves you on the inside. I was caught off-guard by just how exotic and texturally rich this track is, while also catching onto the predicament of aiming for false highs in life, a feeling that none of us can shy away from in life. 

-Khyati Chaturvedi

In this episode of Fresh Finds Roundup, we'll dive into music that deserves more love. We've made this collection with a lot of love and care, and we hope you find your new favorite here, just as we did. Today's selections are diverse in genres, but equally captivating. If you let the tracks take over, you'll find that there's something for everyone here... Marty Appel has done right by classic rock by making Fooled by Dreams. The guitar riffs from this track will live rent-free in my head forever. Marty's vocals are perfect, and the song feels like a personal journey being narrated by him. The lyricism explores feelings of hopelessness and loneliness, and to say the least, we've all been there at least once. Overall, a great experience. "Fooled by Dreams" is a track worth playing on repeat.

Talented singer-songwriter Marty Appel has just released his powerful new single, which blends a touch of nostalgia with a delightful, light rock sound that combines creative sonorities to transport us to a delightful atmosphere.

"Fooled by Dreams" is an upbeat and engaging rock track rooted in the laid-back spirit of 70s-inspired songwriting. What began as a natural songwriting process revealed some of his deepest personal truths—it's for everyone who has ever chased something that wasn't what it seemed. Built upon subtle guitar textures and a steady rhythmic pulse, the song unfolds with confidence and feeling, without ostentation. Inspired by the spacious restraint of JJ Cale, John Hiatt, and Chris Rea, it carries a timeless, smooth sensibility of classic rock that would fit perfectly into your playlist.

This track is that kind of soft rock that speaks volumes; listening to it touches us and makes us leave behind our chaotic routine to immerse ourselves in a unique vibe of deep reflection and connection with our own feelings. Through its honest lyrics and delivery, Marty manages to make the listener surrender as well, allowing the music to touch us and lead us to a true encounter with ourselves. It's an excellent opportunity to reconnect with dormant emotions and even free ourselves from them.

The song has very well-crafted arrangements, bringing a rhythm that perfectly combines with its lyrics and the sensitive message it wants to convey. This song surprised us and gave us a wonderful experience. We loved it very much and are happy to have discovered it. We are sure you will also thank us for introducing it to you.

-Tati Teixeira

Although the acoustic guitar enters the scene with a wistful air, it is not necessarily imbued with the sensory influence of poignancy or melancholy. In fact, what this approach fosters is the creation of a tranquil, comfortable, and—above all—relaxing atmosphere.

Even against a rhythmic tempo slightly syncopated by its precise pulses, the song retains its sensitive and fresh character thanks to its harmonic foundation. Crafted by a keyboard that—with fitting delicacy—replicates the sweetly tart identity of a Hammond organ, this foundation provides not only a sense of fluid motion but also a subtle atmospheric nuance to the work's overall sonic texture.

Embraced by a guitar that—shifting from a briefly sensual melodic display—unfurls a slightly gritty texture, the song delves ever deeper into a sonic landscape grounded in folk. With notable nods to roots rock and, to a lesser extent, Southern rock, the track finds itself enveloped in a lyrical narrative brought to life by the male vocals of Marty Appel. Gentle and fresh—much like that of Dicky Barrett—his voice highlights the serene nature of *Fooled By Dreams*, underscoring and affirming the song's stylistic debt to the songwriting traditions of the 1970s.

-Diego Pinheiro