Welsh post-hardcore band Dream State have released their latest offering Still Dreaming, their second EP with new vocalist Jessie Powell. The band had a busy end to 2023 touring with As December Falls around the UK, where we were delighted to hear a couple of tracks from the new release.
The first track is a thirty second, electronic rock introduction which then explodes into the title song Still Dreaming. Aled Evans‘ guitar playing is a prominent part of the song, while Powell screams “I’m still dreaming/you destined me to fail” . It’s worth noting that Evans is the only original member of the current line-up, with the other three band members joining over the past two years. Next up is Chin Up Princess, during which Powell moves easily from screaming the lyrics during the track’s verses, to a more melodic and soothing chorus. This was the first release from the EP and marked their first material since their February 2023 EP Untethered.
Anxious State Of Mind gives the band space to express their anxieties through some well written lyrics: “I feel the weight of other’s worlds on my shoulders/Do not know how much longer I can hold them.” The instrumental Set Free wouldn’t sound out of place in a nightclub, with the building synth sounds a highlight alongside the very skilful guitar playing from Jones. If this can still be considered post-hardcore then it is very cleverly orchestrated. The instrumental ends and moves seamlessly into the final track on the EP Day Seeker, which does leave you seeking more as it ends on a positive note, as Powell’s dominating voice fits the music perfectly.
Dream State seem to have moved on from their turbulent past and this EP sounds really fresh, giving them something to build on. 2024 is looking busy for Dream State with a UK tour to look forward to, as well as appearances at Download Festival and 2000trees Festival. Here’s hoping we’ll hear even more new music from them too.
7/10
Standout Tracks: Still Dreaming, Chin Up Princess, Day Seeker
For Fans Of: Holding Absence, As Everything Unfolds, Casey
Written by: Alan Brown
