Over a two week period, Welsh post-hardcore band Dream State embarked on their European headline tour, starting at the capital of their home country Cardiff and ending in Paris with a series of twelve dates across a small handful of countries. Here on their third night, they delivered an energetic and enjoyable performance to excited fans, who were clad in their merch and readily queued up at front and spiralling down the street an hour before doors at The Key Club in Leeds.
Doors opened promptly at 7PM with local band Godeth invited to open the night. This groove death metal powerhouse has been seen at this venue several times before, having opened for Finnish metal band Lost Society in October last year and most recently their own headline EP launch show back in May. Tonight they delivered in their opening role, not only consistently bringing high energy throughout their set and encouragement to get the crowd moving and warmed up, but confidently showcased their abilities and music to an audience that may have never seen this band before. They played several of their latest songs featured on their The Path Of Destruction EP, which consisted of chuggy guitar riffs, sustained growly vocals and powerful drums, providing an unrelenting presence to the night that was in turn appreciated with several rows of the crowd head-banding along. It was a fun and enjoyable set that also served as an introduction to this band that will surely have more promising stuff to give the metal scene in future.
Next up on the lineup was alternative rock band Redhook, travelling all the way from Australia to support Dream State throughout this tour. Before they even took to the stage, the room was flooded with an opaque layer of dry ice, illuminated with pink light to create a vibrant and mysterious backdrop. Likewise, their presence upon stage was as equally as eye-catching and their music was infectious with the whole crowd either moving or passionately engaged with echoing their lyrics as loudly as possible. This band evidentially received a warm and inviting reception, with this audience enthusiastically appreciating their return to the country since their ‘Postcards from a living hell’ headline tour last year. Vocalist Emmy Mack exclaimed in awe that whilst she felt unwell (having gained a cold since the start of tour – although I and everyone else probably wouldn’t have noticed with her flawless vocal delivery) that her heart was so full, as she looked grateful for the crowd’s continual support. They finally ended their set with ‘Bad Decisions’, earning one last cheer of approval and a promise to return to the United Kingdom again soon.
Lastly but not least, was the highly anticipated Dream State, who in similar fashion had the room filled with dry ice and coloured with pinks, blues and white light (almost reminiscent of their iconic Primrose Path album cover). Their set commenced with a prerecorded VoiceOver introduction whilst the lights were low, and the eagerness within the room was almost palpable, before the four piece made an appearance and immediately wasted no time in continuing the energy and excitement that has been present throughout the night. The crowd responded enthusiastically as expected, breaking into a flurry of activity, as audience members participated in singing, jumping, and either pushing and running as a few circle pits opened up at various occasions. Vocalist Jesse Powell, (who’s vocal abilities have definitely been an outstanding highlight of their performance; flawlessly switching between fry screams and elegant almost whistle like high notes) took a moment to introduce the band members individually and welcome those within the audience who were new to their music, stating it was “nice to be acquainted with those who haven’t seen us before”. Between their collective musical abilities and effortless charisma, it is evident that Dream State is definitely a band that puts a lot of care, detail and passion into their work and presentation, and it was a joy to be within the room and witness their fans relish in the moment.
Their setlist made a great introduction for those who were unfamiliar with their work, featuring several favourites from their discography, as well as their latest release from only a week prior to the start of the tour ‘Bloom’, that was also equally as exciting for long time fans. It was a memorable night which will hopefully entice more listeners as Dream State continue on their impressive journey. After a few more dates within the United Kingdom, they are due to head across to mainland Europe to headline for the first time in their career; a development that everyone will surely hope is the first of many more exciting and promising opportunities for this band.
Written by: Daniel Blake
Photographed by: Daniel Blake
Edited by: Sabine de Graaf
