Dream Aria - "In The Wake" Review

Artist/ Band: Dream Aria
Title: In The Wake
Label: Self release
Year of Release: 2005
Dream Aria Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

Dream Aria although stylistically all over the map, they are rooted within the confines of progressive music. Although not in a traditional sense they use the progressive description to move freely between styles such as techno ,mystical, middle-eastern, classical, opera, folk, rock. Some expect bands to have the “samey” feeling to each song but you don’t get that in Dream Aria’s music and thank goodness for that. With each song you’re pleasantly surprised with the way it’s presented. I think that’s were the progressive element comes into play most of all.

In The Wake is their debut and show cases the talents of keyboardist Don Stagg, Guitarist Jozef Pilasanovic (whom also provides the bass), Gary Gray on drums and the amazing vocals styling of Ann Burstyn. Everyone knows when and where to add their talents without going overboard like some bands tend to do. Ann Burstyn’s vocals are hard to compare but they’re right up there with the current female singers. Her voice is very pleasant and again she knows how to apply it to the setting of each song. It goes from angelic, to slightly operatic to a powerful rock diva.

Some say that the band on whole have no melody what-so-ever. My response is “what album did you listen to?”. In the Wake is chock full of melody, infectious hooks and memorable songs that stay in your head long after the CD stops playing. Since each song on In The Wake is a winner, but the ones that I like the most are the techno-based Blue Lady, the ballad of Snapshot and the rocker closer, 11th Hour. Now isn’t that a good sign of a great band? I’d say so!

If you like bands and artists such as White Willow, Lana Lane, Paatos, Emily Bezar and other current female fronted bands, then getting Dream Aria’s In The Wake is a no brainer. This is simply one of my favorite releases of 2005 and I can’t recommend it enough

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on April 10th, 2005

Tracks:

1. Spirit

2. Sungoddess

3. In The Wake - Soul

4. In The Wake - Body

5. Blue Lady

6. Snapshot

7. Pacis

8. Promise

9. He Touched My Soul

10. Raindrops

11. Opus Dei

12. Spanish Nights

13. 11th Hour

Reviewed Discography

Related reviews by this artist/band at ProgNaut.com.

"In The Wake" 2005
"Transcend" 2008