Dream State could never be accused of taking it easy, powering through multiple changes in lineup and style since their formation in 2014 to become one of the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming bands. With a debut album, 2019’s Primrose Path, as well as live dates supporting As December Falls and Funeral For A Friend under their belt, Dream State are solidifying their sound on their latest EP, Still Dreaming. Dream State waste no time in setting the stage with a brief, synth infused intro which builds straight into the title single ‘Still Dreaming’, a powerful journey into singer Jessie Powell’s personal experience. Powell lashes out at the doubters in her life, raising herself and her bandmates up with an authoritative, soaring voice backed by chugging, metalcore riffs from guitarist Aled Evans and bassist Jake Bowen culminating in a cathartic breakdown with some impressive screams from Powell. If Still Dreaming is your introduction to Dream State then this track will certainly make a strong first impression, kicking down the door with thunderous instrumentals while working through their personal problems with poignant and relatable lyrics.
Praise has to be given for the clear, full production on Still Dreaming, beefing up Dream State’s sound without losing any clarity between the interweaving instrumentals. On tracks like ‘Calling Out’ and lead single ‘Chin Up Princess’ the intricate, layered guitar, bass, drums and synths each have their own place in the mix while still leaving space for lead and backing vocals giving the tracks a polished though still raw and heavy feel. It’s great to hear the clear details of drummer Tom Connolly’s tastefully complex fills or Bowen’s thunderous basslines through such a full mix. A clear high point of the album is the closing track ‘Day Seeker’ which takes inspiration from Dream State’s heaviest influences while letting them indulge in their poppier tendencies. Powell explores her entire vocal range throughout this track, moving from a Brutus style forceful growl to pop-diva style falsetto with the rest of the band flowing through an equally impressive number of styles with danceable four-on-the-floor drums, huge post-hardcore style guitar chords and ambient synths fusing together. It’s a powerful end to Still Dreaming, letting the band flex their entire arsenal with just as much impact as the rest of the EP without coming across as hollow or pretentious. Still Dreaming is Dream State distilled down to their most pure and powerful with plenty of catchy choruses as well as fierce breakdowns. Despite their turbulent past, Dream State have grown comfortably into their signature sound, led confidently by singer Jessie Powell’s energetic and varied performance.
“If Still Dreaming is your introduction to Dream State then this track will certainly make a strong first impression”