LIVE REVIEW: Dream State @ The Key Club, Leeds

It’s been over three years since DREAM STATE did a nationwide UK tour. It’s an understatement to say that things have heavily changed for the band; for one, all previous plans for supporting I PREVAIL, appearing at numerous festivals and more were cancelled or pushed back thanks to the events of 2020; and secondly, a huge shake-up in the lineup where three out of four members of DREAM STATE announced their departure between 2020 – 2021, including lead vocalist CJ Gilpin, which left fans left shocked and uncertain about the bands future. But thanks to the determination of remaining original member, Aled Evans, DREAM STATE was kept alive and in October last year the new lineup was debuted alongside brand new music. Whilst it showed off the talents of all new members, including vocalist Jessie Powell, it also confirmed that these weren’t mere fill ins acting like nothing had happened, this was a reincarnation of DREAM STATE that respected the memory of previous members that also looked to the future.

ARTIO are a Leeds-based quartet with alternative music infused with electronic elements, quite like that of earlier songs from DREAM STATE. While still brand new in the music scene they oozed with confidence with strong vocals and lyrics to march. Some of the audience may not have been paying attention, given the attempt at starting a mosh pit, those individuals may come to regret that someday. They’re a band to be excited about.

Rating: 8/10

Following them were LED BY LANTERNS, who the audience were certainly more aware of as some of their loyal fans made themselves known. In fact, you’d have been forgiven for thinking that this show was their own headliner. There was endless mosh pits and a stage diver that went along perfectly with their more heavier sound infused with alt-rock and pop. A guarantee that if weren’t aware of them before, you certainly are now.

Rating: 8/10

And now we’ve arrived at the main event: DREAM STATE. Vocalist Jessie Powell revealed during the gig that this was her seventh show with DREAM STATE and a decade since she had last been on tour, so felt a little nervous. But you could never tell! From the moment she came onstage everyone was engaged: she exhibited so much confidence by constantly interacting with crowd by having them sing songs into the microphone as well as, getting into the crowd herself, and her vocals skills were consistently impressive. From the heavier side of the band’s soundscape with songs like Comfort In Chaos and Open Windows that showed off her harsher vocals to the more sentimental and (arguably) gentle songs Hand In Hand and Twenty Letters that further cemented her place as a performer.

Even when it came to the songs that fans would easily associate with CJ, Monsters and White Lies, perhaps making them feel nervous to hear someone else sing those same words, all doubt was immediately cast out as Jessie made the songs her own. As previously stated, this isn’t a copy-pasted version of DREAM STATE, it’s a reincarnation. Their set was only ten songs long, and we only wished it was longer. Perhaps this tour was their way to dip their toes in the pool of performing live together and maybe when more music comes out then we’ll have longer shows. And we can’t wait for that day.

Rating: 9/10

Check out our photo gallery from the night’s action in Leeds from Rhys Haberfield Media here: 

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