Lisburn quartet Dream Awake have only been around for a short while, but their debut EP Pathfinder already has the markings of a band who know what they’re doing. Formed in late 2014, Dream Awake released Pathfinder on 14th August of this year after recording at Manor Park Studio.
For this melodic post-hardcore band, the almost instrumental Aurora is a great place to start. Starting off with a mellow, almost ethereal sound, this quickly gives way to heavy, substantial guitar and lightning kick drum before the single whisper of “this is not a dream” is offset by pockets of sharp, screeching guitar.
Each track has the same feel to it, an almost phantom-esque atmosphere that’s both heavy and light and Tradewinds with its crashing cymbals and gritty guitar play well alongside the juxtaposition of heavier vocals against melodic lyrics.
By the time we reach Illuminate, it’s clear to hear that we’re in the real meat of the EP. Another melodic intro, we are lulled into a false sense of security with beautiful piano before Dream Awake‘s signature combination of rough and smooth, of screaming and melody kick in. Despite what you’d think, this style works incredibly well for the band, perfectly complimenting, rather than competing against each other.
Title track Pathfinder lets bassist Dave Houston’s screaming vocals take a back seat (however, they’re definitely still in the car), whilst Conor Kelly’s more dulcet tones take the lead. There’s a really nice contrast throughout these tracks, and it creates a real sense of theatre and a hauntingly magical ambiance which I absolutely love.
Finishing things off with the aptly named Departure, we see a more delicate side to Dream Awake in this intense track. With stadium filling harmonies, thumping drums and a far too catchy chorus this is my favourite track of the whole EP.
Overall, I was more than pleasantly surprised with Pathfinder; not only is it great from the very first listen, it’s one of those EPs that just gets better every single time you listen to it. You can find Dream Awake on Facebook, Band Camp and Twitter for more great music.
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