EP REVIEW: Recovery – Dream State

Recovery is the second EP from South Wales five piece DREAM STATE.Having been signed to UNFD the band seem hotly tipped with several appearances at big festivals on the horizon. But is it all hype for nothing to back it up or are DREAM STATE capable of actually delivering on the buzz that surrounds them?

Recovery feels like DREAM STATE are really starting to find their sound. Over the five tracks they deliver a strong mix of radio friendly rock with heavier touches. At no point does this sound like a watered down product and their passion really shines through. Opening track White Lies isn’t the most original track ever but there is so much conviction behind it. Immediately vocalist CJ Gilpin establishes herself as a real star. Her powerhouse vocal performance really stands out on this EP.

Whilst never quite reaching metalcore territory, DREAM STATE are certainly heavier than your average rock band now. This slightly harder edge really helps them stand out, whether it’s the metallic riffs or occasional use of screamed vocals those heavier touches just keep things from getting stale. However this never becomes the focus and instead they spend most of the EP delivering anthemic rock choruses. Help Myself is the most aggressive track on the album but even this song is build around a huge chorus.

As mentioned before CJ Gilpin‘s vocal performance is the real standout here. Her versatility is really impressive as she can shift between softer emotional moments before belting out a huge chorus. Even with her vocals being the strongest aspect it never feels like her and a faceless backing band. The band just do what is right to compliment the vocals. Playing softer for the more emotional moments before switching up a gear and firing out some hard hitting riffs when those heavier moments arrive With a lot of similar post-hardcore bands becoming watered down parodies of what the genre once was it’s nice to see that DREAM STATE have a bit more substance.

The biggest problem with the EP is that it does feel a little repetitive. Whilst none of the five songs are bad they are all quite similar. Hopefully when the time comes for a full length DREAM STATE will be able to show a little more variety. There are occasional glimpses of them trying some different ideas but these never feel fully realised.

Ultimately Recovery is an EP that is good enough to really put DREAM STATE on your radar. It’s got a slick production that really benefits these songs. And the songs themselves do show plenty of promise. It never quite reaches truly great territory but it’s a step in the right direction for the band. If they can continue to develop the ideas on display here then the debut album could make them one of the most promising bands in the UK.

Rating: 7/10

Recovery is out now via UNFD.

Like DREAM STATE on Facebook.