Dream Device – DreamDevice
2010, Canadian/American Records / Caprice International
2010, Canadian/American Records / Caprice International
Columbia, Pennsylvania quintet Dream Device is anall-original hard rock band that plies its trade on a regional basis and hasbegun to build a local buzz fueled by hard-driving riffs and big rockarrangements. David Trageser (vocals);Ken Hess and Adam Grieger (guitar); Shaun Hinks (bass) and Scott Waltz (drums)leave nothing on stage, playing with a live intensity and hunger that isrefreshing. The band’s debut album, Dream Device, marks an earlier effort atsongwriting and marshalling the band’s live sound in-studio.
Dream Device makesa varied impression on listeners, showing the band’s ability to rock alongsidea surprising pop sensibility. Unfortunately there’s also a surprisingly tame general sound; quite incontravention with their live reputation. “Won’t Let You Die” is a great, high octane opener, laced with heavyguitar. The production draws that soundway back, however, burying the vocals and lacing the song with a ratherout-of-place sounding cowbell. “Crucifixion” derides a self-made martyr in somewhat stereotypicalterms, and “Washed Away” is far too tame. “Just Wait” shows real pop sense, blended with elements of 1980’sclassic rock. Unfortunately, Dream Devicespends the rest of the album mired in an attempt to hold back their sound. The production on Dream Device does the band no favors, working to pin back theband’s signature sound rather than bring it forward.
Production aside, the songs and performance on Dream Device is a bit uninspired; thatof a young band more enamored in making a record than understanding why theyare making a record. There’s no sense ofpurpose or theme here that bridges to the listener. We’ll have to assume that this is just an awkwardfirst step from a band that was still finding their footing and their sound. Dream Device certainly gets high markslocally for their live performances, so perhaps time (and a new producer) willbring out the best in their next effort.
Rating: 2 Stars(Out of 5)
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