Dream State – Consequences

Welsh alt rock band Dream State have their debut, 5 song EP out, titled Conssquences. The band states that they draw inspiration from melodic hardcore, and the EP seems to back this up, with melodic arrangements, well-sung female vocals by Charlotte-Jayne Gilpin, and interesting instrumental breaks and tones.

The band aim to make various statements about society’s ills or life’s problems with their lyrics, something that’s fairly unusual these days, at least within the heavier music realm. Recorded, mixed, and mastered at The Boneyard Studios, the music is well mixed and presented beautifully, in that the album sounds equally good on headphones or through an ambient system. The music has varied intros to the songs, varied lyrical themes, and a nice contrast between the female lead and male backup vocals. Tunes are nicely arranged, with nuances and flourishes in the capable guitar and bass lines for detailed listeners.

A criticism is that it might be a little bit too scripted, or “too perfect”. It doesn’t lack humanity (just listen to the backing vocals for some screaming from the heart – and gut!) it just lacks the usual uneasiness, or would that be humility? from a young band facing their debut head-on. A criticism of that thought is that recorded music should be as good as an artist can get it, and that artist should use all the tools available to them at that time, to ensure their art is presented exactly the way they want it. To that end, Dream State has achieved its goal: this EP sounds great, it presents well, there’s plenty of talent in the band to go around, and it’s not going to go un-noticed.

For a band’s first effort, Dream State’s Consequences is very well-planned and executed. This EP is recommended for fans of modern melodic metalcore, female-fronted intense bands, and heavier alt rock.

Track listing:
Burden
Burn Them Down
Try Again
Relentless
Rebuild, Recreate

Band lineup:
Charlotte-Jayne Gilpin – Lead vocals
Aled Evans – Lead guitar
Sam Harrison-Little – Rhythm guitar / Backing vocals
Danny Rayer – Bass guitar
Jamie Lee – Drums

Links:
Official Band Facebook Page
Official Band Twitter Page