8/10

When the former Brighton university students Alice Go, Bella Podpadec and Rachel Mjöll released their self-titled debut album in 2018, I don't think even they were aware of the impact it would go onto have. While the riotous female-fronted punk band was always part of our scene, the majority of these femme icons resided on the other side of the Atlantic, meaning we usually felt more of a disconnect from the traditional British direction. But after just one album, Dream Wife quickly filled that gap on UK shores, and after a non-stop two years of touring and self-promotion, the trio return with their highly-anticipated follow-up 'So When You Gonna...'.

From the very start, 'So When You Gonna...' hits us with that undeniable Dream Wife swagger, one that instantly feels more refined when we first switch onto this new collection. While their debut record hit the right tone and energy throughout, there is something far more reassured about their sound on this sophomore release. Filled with that distinct punk-rock attitude throughout, the band look to create a record that darts between flippant sarcasm and deadly serious subject matter without a second thought, making for a light and enjoyable full-length that still has something important to say.

The multifaceted and varied direction on this new collection makes 'So When You Gonna...' a truly wondrous listen, and sees Dream Wife emerge from their musical adolescence with more bite than we could have imagined. The three-piece are clearly focused on how they want to sound more than most, and that makes for a bold and confident listen throughout.