Climb The Ladder Live The Dream: A Genre-Bending Journey That Still Resonates
Eat More Cake’s Climb The Ladder Live The Dream (2010) is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released under Urbantorque in the UK, this record blends Hip Hop, Electronic, and Pop into a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly experimental. With styles ranging from Dubstep to Pop Rap, Ambient textures, and even orchestral elements, it’s an album that refuses to sit still. And honestly? It’s kinda brilliant.
Two tracks stand out for me, and they couldn’t be more different. First up, “Music Box.” Right off the bat, this thing grabs you by the ears with its eerie yet soothing vibe. The production work by Andy Briggs and Matt Pearn shines here—those glitchy beats layered over what sounds like an actual music box create this dreamy tension. You’re not sure if you should dance or just zone out. Maybe both? It’s hypnotic in a way that sticks with you long after the track ends.
Then there’s “Story Of My Life,” which hits completely differently. This one leans heavier into Pop Rap territory, with Alexis Griffith absolutely killing it on vocals. Her voice carries this raw emotion that makes the lyrics hit harder. When she sings about chasing dreams and climbing ladders (wink wink), you can’t help but feel it. The Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra adds this lush cinematic layer that elevates everything—props to conductor Youki Yamamoto for making it all come together so seamlessly. It’s anthemic without being cheesy, and that balance is rare.
The rest of the album keeps things interesting too. Tracks like “Smoke And Mirrors” dive deep into Dubstep territory, while “Underwater” leans ambient, almost as if it’s inviting you to float away. Owen Charles’ scratches add grit where needed, and Alex Lane’s drumming gives certain songs a live edge that contrasts nicely with the programmed beats. There’s a lot going on, but somehow it never feels overwhelming.
One thing I appreciate is how collaborative this project feels. From Jason Moore and Richard Kayvan producing to Vladislav Boyadjiev engineering parts of it, the credits read like a who’s who of talent. Even Tom Kilworth’s transcriptions deserve a shoutout—they clearly put effort into weaving the orchestra into tracks like “Glass Houses.”
Looking back, Climb The Ladder Live The Dream feels ahead of its time. In 2010, genre-blending wasn’t as common as it is now, and Eat More Cake pulled it off with style. Sure, some moments are rough around the edges, but maybe that’s why it works—it doesn’t try too hard to be perfect.
Funny thing though: every time I listen to this album, I find myself wondering what happened to them. Did they climb their ladder? Did they live their dream? Or did life get in the way, like it does for most of us? Whatever the answer, this album remains proof that they were onto something special—even if only for a moment.
