On My Playlist: Top 5 Dream State songs

One of the more exciting bands to arrive on the hard rock landscape from the UK this year is the female fronted band, Dream State.
Dream State is a 5-piece alternative rock/post-hardcore band from Wales. They have taken the scene by storm with their infectious and catchy but truthful lyrics on a variety of modern issues. The band mixes beauty and brutality to great effect with some melodic and heavy tunes. If you haven’t heard the female screams of vocalist CJ Gilpin, you are in for a treat. The band consists of CJ Gilpin–vocals; Aled Rhys Evans–guitar; Rhys Wilcox–guitar/vocals; Danny Rayer–bass; and Jamie Lee–drums.

5. Rebuild, Recreate
This is one of the early tracks on Dream State. It packs a punch with its intricate use of acoustic and post-hardcore elements. It is everything a song in this genre should be. The guitars give an edge to the song and Lee adds to the effect by pummelling unique beats on the drums. Gilpin is once again at the top of her game as she forces out the words in a husky voice to give the song a heavy edge. The transition in her voice from melodic female crooning to vicious screams is truly something to behold. This number focuses on rebuilding when things have been lost to ultimately create better things. ‘There’s something in your soul. I recognize. And there’s no other way. I can’t do, but to fight. I will not die tonight.’

4. In This Hell
One of the singles on the Recovery EP, ‘In this hell,’ is one of those songs that hits you in the heart with its brutally honest lyrics. The song focuses on loneliness, anxiety and the resulting sleeplessness and restlessness. The song’s transparency shows why music is so rela- table. The lyrics make the listener understand that problems can be fixed. In this case, the lesson is that one’s sorrows are only temporary and good things lie ahead, even if one suffers at a certain point in your life: ‘Is it all for nothing. Is it cause my head’s not clear. Tell me you feel something. Tell me is my heart still there. I cannot sleep at night. From all this anxiety. No I can’t sleep at night.’

3. Solace
This is one of my favourite songs from Dream State as it focuses on overcoming fear and anxiety and on fighting for a way out of a bad situation. This track is a perfect example of the raw honesty and positive guidance this band offers. Listeners go away with the message that they should face their fears. CJ Gilpin outdoes herself on ‘Solace’ with piercing lyrics backed up by Danny Rayer’s silky bass playing and lead guitar by Evans. The best lyrics from this tremendous song are: ‘We know you can’t control this. We’re not here just to exist. There must be more to this. So give us a better day, a better place away from here. Just give us a better place, a better day.’

2. New Waves
‘New waves’ starts off with a sultry bass line and hi-hat tapping before the first verse kicks in with a quick snare hit. Gilpin’s earnest delivery of the lyrics is the highlight of this song as she delves into the topic of making waves and getting herself out of the rut she finds herself in. This is a topic that anyone can relate to and the track emphasises the crippling effect of depression and anxiety on a person’s life. The song has a hopeful outlook and taps into what is needed to start anew: ‘I don’t need another bug in my brain. To feel transiently okay. I’m off all those prodigal old ways. I found a new start on new waves.’ The lead guitar element and chugging rhythm guitar work in unison to create a full sound for the overall flow of this song. Melody and brutality clash perfectly, Dream State is renowned for this. The music video is also one of their more creative pieces of art, with the band singing in a room filled with notes written by fans.

1. White Lies
In my opinion, ‘White lies’ is the best song by the band and one that has brought the band much attention. The song opens with tapping guitar by Evans that instantly involves the listener in the track. This is also the main riff and together with other musical passages, it works well to create a melodic vibe. Another thing to look out for here is Gilpin’s abrupt screams in the second verse where she showcases her amazing vocal range. The bridge and the drum build-up is one of the best as you can feel the desperation in her voice–a truly exhilarating moment.
This track focuses on addiction, past experiences and realising that the best way to face one’s fears is to fight them and to acknowledge what one should change to become a better person.
‘I think I’ve lost half my mind. Fighting my addiction. I’ve been killing, wasting time, I’m not alright. And I can do it if I want to. I can do it if I want to. I don’t care if it hurts me. I care if I hurt you.’