Carpe Diem has returned to our pages many times before, but this time, they arrive with a gift of rare beauty. The Hong Kong-based duo, led by the luminous Ada S. and the visionary Keith Y., unveil their debut full-length album “Dream Odyssey,” an 11-track album that invites us into a world suspended between waking life and reverie. Already beloved for their ability to blur genres, Carpe Diem has cemented themselves as artisans of atmosphere, sculpting ethereal dreamscapes with brushstrokes of dream pop, folk, and pop rock, while weaving in poetic lyricism that resonates long after the music fades.
Released on August 23, the album is a culmination of years of perseverance and artistry. With Ada’s voice gliding between tenderness and transcendence, supported by Keith’s intricate vision and a circle of gifted musicians—Bryan Kam on bass, Dennis Chan on cajon and drums, and textures from flute, handpan, and other acoustic flourishes—Dream Odyssey emerges as both a deeply personal record and a universal journey. Now, let’s do a song-by-song as the Odyssey Unfolds.
“Pixie Dust” opens the album with a shimmer, setting the tone for wonder and imagination. Ada’s vocals arrive like starlight, soft yet commanding, ushering you into a landscape where the ordinary dissolves into the extraordinary. Light percussion and airy guitar work conjure a sense of magic just out of reach.
“Nature Odyssey” deepens the atmosphere, a celebration of the organic rhythms of life. The arrangement is lush with natural tones—flute, earthy strings, and handpan textures—that mirror the balance and unpredictability of nature. Ada sings with reverence here, her delivery grounded but still weightless.
“Your Face, Your Fate” offers intimacy and introspection. The lyrics explore identity and destiny, tracing the invisible threads that tie self-perception to the paths we choose to follow. The performance carries an almost folk-like sincerity, with Ada’s vocals sitting close to the ear, honest and unadorned.
“Carpe Diem”, the self-titled track, embodies the duo’s philosophy—seizing the day with courage and vulnerability. This is where Ada’s voice soars most boldly, layered over melodic guitar swells and rhythmic cajon. It’s an anthem of presence, equal parts delicate and defiant.
“A Fork in the Road” captures the weight of decision-making. The instrumentation shifts here into a more contemplative space, balancing acoustic warmth with subtle percussion. Ada’s phrasing mirrors uncertainty, faltering, and then rising again, echoing the hesitation and resolve we all encounter at life’s crossroads.
“Twist in the Wind” flows with a more restless energy. The production leans into pop rock here, with sharper edges in the arrangement. Ada’s vocals take on a playful yet bittersweet lilt, embodying the unpredictability of being caught in life’s sudden gusts.
“Airborne” lifts the spirit, both musically and emotionally. A bright guitar motif and light rhythmic drive push the song forward, while Ada delivers lyrics of liberation and transcendence. The performance here is freeing, almost like watching a kite ascend against the sky.
“Shadow”, one of the album’s most poignant pieces, leans into darker textures. Lyrics reflect on the hidden parts of the self—the unspoken and unacknowledged—and the arrangement mirrors this with brooding bass and minimal percussion. Ada’s voice is at its most haunting here, vulnerable yet unwavering.
“Ne Plus Ultra” (meaning “nothing further beyond”) stands as the album’s emotional summit. This track is expansive, its instrumentation layered with cinematic depth—handpan rhythms, sweeping guitar, and spectral backing harmonies. Ada sings with a sense of finality, carrying both gravitas and grace.
“Tomorrow” offers hope as the odyssey begins to close. Light percussion and soothing melodic lines carry Ada’s voice into a space of optimism. Her delivery is tender and reassuring, a reminder that even after hardship, the horizon always offers something new.
“Dream Big, Little Girl” closes the album with intimacy and warmth. It feels like a whispered lullaby, a song of encouragement and love. With stripped-back instrumentation, Ada’s voice is the centerpiece here—gentle, personal, and uplifting. It’s a perfect coda, reminding listeners that even in vast odysseys, small dreams can be the most powerful.
Ada S. is the heart of this odyssey. Her vocals are versatile—sometimes celestial, sometimes grounded, always emotive. Whether she’s delivering whispers of vulnerability or soaring with defiance, there’s a magnetic quality to her performance that keeps listeners rooted in the experience. The sincerity of her delivery makes each lyric feel like it belongs to the listener as much as it belongs to her.
Keith Y. and the ensemble wrap her voice in instrumentation that never overwhelms, but instead enhances. Each performance feels intentional, from the restrained rhythms of cajon to the shimmering lightness of flute and the immersive pulse of bass. Together, they create intimate and expansive soundscapes.
The production of Dream Odyssey is its own triumph. Ethereal yet precise, the record balances organic textures with dreamlike layering. Acoustic instruments—flute, handpan, cajon, guitar—anchor the album in tactile warmth, while atmospheric effects and expansive mixing give the songs their celestial sheen. The result is a sound that feels handcrafted yet limitless, inviting listeners to lose themselves in the subtle interplay of elements.
Carpe Diem’s “Dream Odyssey” is a journey of introspection, hope, and transcendence. Every song carries its theme, but together they form a narrative arc that mirrors life itself: its choices, its shadows, its flights of freedom, and its quiet, affirming moments of love. If you have followed Carpe Diem through their earlier appearances here, this album is a long-awaited blossoming. For new listeners, it’s a dazzling introduction to a duo who create music not just to be heard, but to be felt and lived. With “Dream Odyssey,” Carpe Diem has seized their moment—and gifted us a timeless voyage.
Listen to “Dream Odyssey” album on Spotify
Follow Carpe Diem here for more information.
