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Artist: The Dreamside
Single: Spin Moon Magic
Genre: Gothic
Language: English, German
Label: Dancing Ferret Discs


Introduction

The Dreamside has been around for quite some time but still they don’t seem to get the appreciation they deserve in their own country. By the readers of the American magazine ‘Gothic Beauty’ they have been chosen band of the year while here they still play in the smaller venues of the country. This summer they will play at the Parkbuhne of the Wave Gotik Treffen festival in Leipzig Germany, one of the largest gothic festivals of the world. Right now they are working on a new album but be sure to enjoy this one first.


Line-up

Kemi Vita – Vocals
Fried Bruggink - Guitar
Roman Schoensee – Bass
Cees Viset – Guitar
Merijn Mol – Drums


Website

http://www.dreamside.nl



Song review

01. Into a Frenzy 4:14

This first song immediately starts with a beat that moves you (literally). The lyrics are intense and sung as thus. Kemi’s voice is often doubled which gives a great depth. There is no escape, as of song one you are swept away and taken on the musical and emotion journey that this album is.

02. Forsaken 5:23

This song starts out intense but also has more quiet parts. Kemi’s vocals are supported by male vocals during the refrain. Dark beats lead up to explosions which are the refrains.

03. The Feast is Set 4:16

Laughter of little elves introduces this song. A strange dark feast is set. Kemi is a great story teller; her voice is very much alive. Besides guitars, beats are also part of this song.

04. Open Your Eyes 3:55
Starting out with dreamy keyboard tunes the song is then is enriched by beats which make it impossible to stand still. With the beats come the warm voice of Rogue and the sweet voice of Kemi. Their voices are a great combination. They each sing their own lines but also sing together and at times they both sing other lyrics but at the same time, giving dept to the song. These lyrics are very poetic, the story is not directly told but described.

05. Gates of Dawn 5:02
The sound of a harp gives a sweet sound to the introduction of this song. Kemi’s vocals are enhanced by both drums and guitars. Tension builds up to the refrain and the pain of the leading character in this song is heard in the cries of Kemis’ voice. A fragile a capella piece gives more of an insight into the character and then is continued again with guitars drums and keys.

06. Somewhere Before 4:46

Time for a break, though not emotionally. A dreamy sound is created though deep drums are heard as well and even thunder accompanied by a choir. The song starts out quiet but soon emotions take over which reflects in both music and vocals.

07. Spin Moon Magic 3:37
Before the guitars fully hit you can hear them coming from a distance. Spin Moon Magic is one of the more heavy songs on the album (guitar wise).  The song has great thriving beats. Music and vocals are more one in this song in stead of two different parts of a song. Besides Kemi you can hear Romans grunts in this song adding to the darkness of the sound.

08. Dreaming All of You 4:40

A fast song of which both guitars and electronic beats are a part. At times Kemi’s voice is deformed, giving her a more sharp sound. The lyrics “We are one in two” seems to be true for the two sounds of Kemi’s voice combined in this song.

09. Song of the Sirenes 1:51

Oceans sounds, then a high violin and low tunes and then a sirens call lead you in to the next song ‘Nocturnal’.

10. Nocturnal 4:44
The soft sounds of ‘Song of the Sirens’ continues, the songs are connected. A beat starts and you hear a whispering voice then a small choir of Kemi’s voice enters and finally kemi takes over and the build up has lead us to the refrain. It is a dreamy song with spoken words and vocals full of emotion.

11. Joyfire 4:29

‘Joyfire’ starts with a violin but soon voices join in and then Kemi starts to sing and soon tension builds up to the release of the refrain. A refrain full of passion. It sounds great when Kemi’s voice is doubled and her outcries in the refrain sound fantastic.

12. Slay Your Dragons 5:33
This song starts with an easy tune but don’t let that mislead you for the passion is yet to come. I am repeating myself here but the outcries in the refrain are again fantastic. At times Kemi’s voice reminds me of Sinéad O’Connor.

13. Bonus track: Die Hoffnung (dance version) 4:14

Another dance song, to close the album. This song is sung in German. A great way to close the album with this up-beat and up-tempo song.


Technical Information


Total playing time – 56:46
Tracks – 13

Extra

As an extra there is a video track added to the album which is the video of 'Open Your Eyes'. Always nice to have such things in your collection instead of only seeing them on television of course. It is not one of the best video's I have ever seen (which also has to do with budget of course) but it has a good atmosphere and it is deffinetly not a standard video.


Cover Picture




Conclusion

This album shows many different aspects of the band; soft and fragile songs, up-tempo dance songs, heavier songs, intense emotions. This album is very versatile as is the band and its members. A wonderful addition to your album collection.


Rating

Music: 8
Sound: 8
Extras: 7
Overall: 8

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