Immersive and intoxicating. Otherworldly and transportive. Dream State have the alternative scene quaking with their new EP release ‘Still Dreaming’- released on the 26th of January.
‘Still Dreaming’ is both experimental and yet confident in its nature. With metalcore aspects combined with techno/dance synths, ‘Still Dreaming’ keeps us on our toes. In actual fact, this EP had me on the edge of my seat, I was almost waiting for the band to slip, for something to disappoint. But I have to say, ‘Still Dreaming’ is an original masterpiece that pushes the limits of experimental metal, tip-toeing the edge of risk, whilst lulling us into a cathartic satisfaction upon completion.
Made up of 7 tracks, ‘Still Dreaming’ takes us on a journey of raw emotion and exhausting self-reflection. This EP’s songwriting draws out upmost personal emotions, riffling them into collection of songs loaded with unfathomable emotional richness and gasping honesty. Rolling from track to track effortlessly, I was in agony upon this EP coming to an end; desperate for another track, left thinking why couldn’t they have turned it into an album?
The overarching tone that dominates this EP is a sense of self awareness, self-acceptance furthermore, acknowledgement of the toxic entities that should be banished. ‘Still Dreaming’ should be listened to like a story- from beginning to end.
The track, ‘Still Dreaming’, unexpectedly reached deep into my soul, pulling out my insecurities and danced with them. The feeling of emotional numbness and deciphering the difference between a dream and reality is, regrettable to admit, a real struggle. This track toys with this feeling: tormenting us with pounding metalcore riffs contrasted with electronic dance aspects. Following this track is a song that lies out of trend within this EP. ‘Chin-Up Princess’ possesses an almost anthemic approach playing with pumped up pop-punk styled beats and euphoric vocals. This song makes a beautiful contrast with the rest of the EP, and then pulls back at the end of the song to steadily and appropriately flow into the next track.
Toward the end of the EP, we see Dream State flirt with the idea of an instrumental track. ‘Set Free’ is a mostly instrumental song that really emphasises the refreshing and exhilarating experimental nature of the outfit. Falling into a very atmospheric EDM sound, in this track Dream State allure to an exciting future full of transgressive releases.
The final track of the EP, ‘Dayseeker’, must be a personal favourite from Dream State’s release. Leaning heavily on metalcore attributes, ‘Dayseeker’ reminds us that Dream State can effortlessly transform into a heavier/darker entity. The bridge in this track, almost follows through into breakdown, and yet Dream State keeps us on our tows throwing us into more tireless rage filled verses with the addition of piercing electronic synths.
You can listen to Dream State’s ‘Still Dreaming’ now on all major streaming platforms.
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