Formed in late 2014, Welsh quintet Dream State have gained a huge following due to their energetic, punchy music. They’ve already gained support slots with Fearless Vampire Killers and The Dirty Youth – pretty impressive for a band that isn’t even a year old yet. And now, they’re looking to take things a step further with the release of their debut EP, ‘Consequences’.
From opening track ‘Burden’, vocalist Charlotte-Jayne Gilpin establishes her position as a key figure in this line-up – there’s something oddly charming and quirky about her. Her lyrical matter is heartfelt and honest; lines such as, “I’m a sucker for your love/And I’m trying to rise above/I just can’t get enough” and “I’m a sucker for your lies/You’re a burden on my mind/I just can’t get inside” are full of earnest emotion.
Dream State blaze through ‘Burn Them Down’ and ‘Try Again’, both of which are energetic and charged tracks. They hammer out bold riffs and stunning refrains, creating a raw and visceral energy that’s not always easy to translate from a live setting onto a record.
‘Relentless’ and ‘Rebuild, Recreate’ are explosive, packed with dynamic, vibrant riffs and deep bass grooves that create strong foundations for Charlotte to layer her robust vocals on. Her vocals are reminiscent of both Love, Robot frontwoman Alexa San Roman and Marmozets’ Becca McIntyre – captivating and husky, she captures the attention of fans old and new with her incredible vocal range. From cleans to guttural screams, she stretches herself to show her versatility.
For a debut EP, Dream State have created a nice little gem in the form of ‘Consequences’. Their unique mix of post-hardcore and alternative rock is something different, and stands out from the market. Things can only go up for this talented bunch.
JESS TAGLIANI