DREAMTIME
The Broken Cross (Single)
Dreamtime is a vintage gothic rock ensemble from Tampere (Finland). Its name is very well-known by the seasoned purists of this genre, what has a great merit considering that this band has not been prolific in excess and its music is completely self-produced. Although Dreamtime was born as a project in 1990, they earn their good reputation with the release of "The Sleeper Awakes" in 2007. From then on, only another full-length album followed, "The Lost Ones", in 2011. Between them, an EP called "Endgame" (2009) and the singles "Endgame" (2008), "Underneath The Light" (2009) and "Black Fire" (2010) were also released and, in addition to that, some individual tracks were featured in several samplers. Now Dreamtime is back with a new single, "The Broken Cross", which is an advance of the band's third coming album (scheduled for release late this year or early in 2014). It consists of two gothic rock numbers showing the distinctive Dreamtime's trademark sounds. So anyone who enjoys the band's back catalogue will find nothing but pleasure in this single. PP (vocals, guitars, keyboards), KS (bass, guitar, keyboards) and MK (additional keyboards and vocals) continue to provide a nostalgic mood through their music, albeit this time it sounds slightly more textured and compact in terms of production. "The Broken Cross (Single Version)", comes with a classic distant-sounding guitar and throaty echoed vocals, recalling the glorious past of The Mission UK and Fields of the Nephilim which will keep tinging the song until it finishes. Moody, pulsating bass lines and retro machine drums drives the steady pace. Around it, the vibrant, growling guitar hooks and the singer's rough vocal style, operating as another distorted riff and carrying with it depth and darkness. "Feed the Flame" slows down the tempo and the vibe becomes mournful, if further captivating. All the sections are cunningly joined, making the tune lasting in memory. Flanging riffs, gloomy synth melodies and dismal guitar soloing expand the sinister dispair of the vocals, while shimmery 12 string figures and poignant keyboard patterns get the emotions run high. Clearly, the Finns know how to create the kind of enigmatic atmosphere which is so attractive for the gothrockers. Brief yet intense, the single heralds a promising new episode in Dreamtime's career.
Review by Billyphobia
- 01. The Broken Cross [Single Version]
- 02. Feed The Flame