Release date: 26th January 2024
Welsh rockers DREAM STATE are releasing their new EP, Still Dreaming. With already a couple of tracks on the listing released, it gave a little teaser to what we could expect after a large line-up change and a relaunch back into the live scene last year.
Speaking on the EP, DREAM STATE say “We feel this is our best work to date, and we’re so excited for everyone to hear it! It felt like it came together naturally, with everyone collaborating in some way. We worked closely together to see if what we can bring to the table instrumentally/vocally can enhance the structure of the songs, using our own individual skillsets.”
The EP opens with a 30-second instrumental introduction of atmospheric melodies, before bursting to the title track ‘Still Dreaming’. Jessie Powell drives this track with her powerful vocals, combined with pumping drums that emphasise the beat and lyrical melody within the chorus. Discussing ‘Still Dreaming’ the band say, “This is our most emotive and personal song we’ve released yet. It symbolises not giving up on your dreams no matter what hurdles and obstacles life throws at you. Never let your dreams just be dreams! We hope it serves as a motivating anthem for anyone that listens, as it means a lot to us.” It’s the perfect opening track, showcasing Jessie’s raw screams as the song draws to a close, and harmonised guitars that tie it all together.
Continuing with ‘Chin Up Princess’, the verses build up with stabbing, chaotic guitars and guttural screams within the vocals. The chorus though is a complete contrast, containing clean vocals with motivational lyrics “tomorrow is a new day”‘, paired with a heavy breakdown and an incredible long scream. Setting its place in the middle of the EP alongside ‘Calling Out’ and ‘Anxious State Of Mind’, showcasing the range of vocals and diversity of their songwriting.
‘Set Free’ is the penultimate track, another instrumental that breaks up the otherwise non-stop power within Still Dreaming. Its melodies and gentle, steady beat have a calming effect, and confirms the title of the track. The calm before bringing the pace back up with ‘Day Seeker’ that sees the EP to a close with one final emotive song that summaries what DREAM STATE are about: having an outlet for their emotions.
With the combination of emotional lyrics, and the strive to keep moving forward with impressive vocal range, atmospheric and chugging guitar and demanding drums, Still Dreaming solidifies DREAM STATE’s place in the UK music scene and confirms how in tune this line-up is.