The latest single from MF Tomlinson is a truly epic song. Coming in at over 9 minutes, “Die To Wake Up From A Dream” takes us on a musical journey, building slowly in layers. The tinkling keys from Kayvon Nabijou and the subtle flutters of Gail Tasker’s flute add to the song’s compelling blend, embellished by Jamie Wall’s trumpet and frugel horn and Alex MacKenzie on trombone. The music sweeps past and it’s 2.5 minutes into the song before Tomlinson introduces his smooth vocals. The pulsing rhythms and beautifully arranged and produced instrumentation is utterly absorbing and maintains a hypnotic hold on you as you’re drawn into Tomlinson’s musical world, memories and intriguing lyrics.
The song refers to the dreams, nightmares and monsters of Tomlinson’s youth; he says: “It speaks to the sensation of drowning in the years. Scenes flash by so fast we soon know that we are in a dream, then a nightmare.” As the tension mounts towards the climax, digital effects and warping sounds mirror the crumbling walls of the world and reality. Tomlinson continues: “When you die in a dream you are safe. When you die in a dream you dream another dream. This is the deus ex machina for us all to remember – that for most, when things seem darker than ever, happiness still exists beyond the tiny parameters that we have set for it. In realising your own power you set yourself free – not one day, but right now. This song is a treatise on resilience, hope and the frankly wildly psychedelic experience of being alive.”
This is the title track from Tomlinson’s forthcoming album, due for release on 8th July 2025. He says of this song and its place within the wider collection: “It makes sense to start here – but there’s almost too much to tell. This is one story – but listening to the songs speak to each other is the true meaning of the album. One world is always dreaming of the other.” It’s a fascinating concept, well-realised through Tomlinson’s thoughtful words. Check this out and be absorbed.
