I’d fully prepared myself for what felt like an inevitability, namely that Welsh outfit Dream State would be just another so-so female-fronted rock bands (even if the name suggested something shoegazey, the band pic and press release very much suggested otherwise – and of course, they’re not to be confused with the Irish pop punk act Dream State, or Swedish female-fronted rock foursome Dreamstate, either). But that’s appearances for you. I hadn’t banked on Charlotte-Jayne Gilpin having huge balls – in the vocal stakes, that is. The guitars have serrated, metallic edges and cut hard against the rock-solid, thunderous rhythm section, and the band’s firepower is displayed from the very outset. But it’s Gilpin’s gritty, full-throated vocals that really complete the sound.
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The emotionally taut ‘Try Again’ is the standout track and finds the band slowing the pace to explore dynamics to powerful, anthemic effect. Elsewhere, ‘Relentless’ delivers on the titles promise with a ferocious energy, and on the strength of these five tracks, Dream State (UK) have some serious potential.
Dream State Online
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