Album Review: Dream On Dreamer - Loveless

DIY is normally something that is synonymous with punk, not metalcore, bands; however, these kids from Melbourne not only designed the artwork for their second album, Loveless, guitarist Callan Orr produced and mixed all ten tracks. From the sparse title track opener, Dream On Dreamer display diversity and an intelligence in their songwriting and song structures. It would have been an easy and lazy choice to lead with current single, The World In Front Of Me, a blast of distorted guitars and dominating kick drums; however, Dream On Dreamer challenge their audience.

The five-piece have come onto a scene that's quite fertile, with the success of pioneers Parkway Drive and The Amity Affliction warming the seat for a plethora of bands to share their wares, and Dream On Dreamer have compiled a short and succinct group of songs that are brash and excited. Foundations features some juicy vocal and counter guitar melodies, while Hear Me Out is a slow burner, progressing from a spatial piano intro before hurtling into a loud/quiet call and response, throwing traditional song structure to the wall. Neverlove is a giddy mix of upbeat drum patterns and screamed/sung vocals, while Moving On Moving Far, sees the band's first old school metal riff on this album, and its agonisingly good – one of this album's highlights.

A second album can see some bands struggle to collate enough good ideas and content to create a cohesive song list. Dream On Dreamer have achieved that with Loveless, which is a refreshing mix of aggression and fond sentimentality, a combination that is rare to perfect but done so here.