Dream state
Asylum 03/27/23
Birmingham UK
Claire H. Head Insomnia Photographer
Facebook / Spotify / Instagram
Live Review
Following the departure of three out of four members of Dream State between 2020-2021, the future of the band seemingly remained uncertain. Especially when one of the departing members included lead vocalist at the time, CJ Gilpin. However through sheer passion and determination, founding member Aled Evans recruited a new wave of talent in a bid to reincarnate Dream State - who stormed back onto the scene October last year.
With festival appearances and a UK headline tour already under their belts since their return, it’s been all systems go for Dream State who have been on the road in support of Caskets. Anticipation built as the band were due to take to the stage at Birmingham’s Asylum, which just so happened to be a hometown show for new lead vocalist Jessie Powell. Completing the Dream State lineup are bassist Jake Bowen and drummer Tom Connolly.
Kicking off their scorching thirty minute set was ‘Open Windows’ from 2019 release Primrose Path, a track that was more than familiar to the fans amongst the crowd. Putting her firm stamp on the track, Jessie demonstrated her ability to honour the Dream State classic, whilst making it her own. ‘Comfort In Chaos’ followed suit, taken from the band’s recent three-track EP release Untethered. The electronic elements of the track, paired with Powell’s powerful screams are only amplified when transformed into a live setting, with ear-worm lyrics: “Say that you want me, say that you need me. Say that you want me and you’ll never leave me” echoing around the intimate venue. A mere few songs in and the band demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with, which each member bringing their A game. Known for her commanding stage presence, Powell wasted no time getting stuck in and joining the crowd for an intimate performance before heading back onstage and demanding to see the venue lit up “like the Milky Way”. Rounding off the set were ‘Chain Reactions’ and ‘Taunt Me’, both from the Untethered EP, before closing with fan favourite Primrose - which served as one last chance for Birmingham to lose all inhibitions. Of course, the crowd; who were like putty in their hands, were more than happy to oblige.
Needless to say, those who may feared Dream State’s return needn’t worry. The band; in its current form, is a reincarnation that honours the memory of it’s former members whilst looking to the future. And what a bright future that will inevitably be.
Dream State will be headlining this year’s all new LUME Festival, set to takeover Camden Town in April. More info at:
Setlist:
Open Windows
Comfort In Chaos
Hand in Hand
Chain Reactions
White Lies
Taunt Me
Primrose
