In the music, where the entire spectrum is dominated by record labels who are promoting the next big thing, or bringing back old favorites, there is often suffocation on the little guys (or girls) out there in the music industry. The bands who have no label, work independently, trying to become famous like the bands they idolize. This would also be the case for the band known as Dreamfast, led by Amyh Hart. That’s right, boys and girls, a girl leading a punk rock band. However, although they’re relatively unknown from the self-proclaimed “Mean streets of Little Rock, Arkansas,” with perseverance, the entire band’s dreams could become reality.

Hart takes on the male-dominated world of music along with the Universe brothers, Ryan and Richard. Ryan, the man on the bass and backup vocals, along with Richard on drums on the band’s newest album. At times, including the song “Matt vs. The View” Ryan sounds a little bit like Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell with his voice, which is impressive and flows smoothly with the song.

The album begins rather slowly, but maturely as the instrumental “Let There Be Light” seemingly glides into the first song on the album, and one of the better ones at that, in “Ashley Please.”

Dreamfast also shows glimpses of their writing abilities in “The Battle,” with brilliant versus like “You say I can’t carry a sword, but I died on your’s alone.” Moving alone, they being to show influences, whether they’re intentional or not, in “No Coast Love Song” and “Matt vs. The View.” The first song reminds a listener of Blink-182 from the beats given from the drums and guitar. Hart also allows her voice to let loose and hit the high notes, sounding very impressive. In “Matt vs. The View” if one listens carefully enough, they may find that it reminds them of the All-American Rejects with their quick pace and claps. Once more the song shows their lyrical skill with, “This redundance has become so damn redundant.”

“I-30 and Me” comes next, it may not be the most impressive song on the album, but the chorus is still good, as well as a decent pace to the song. “Room 606” has a nice intro to it after “I-30 & Me” but after that, it turns towards being my least favorite song on the album. Lyric-wise, it’s a good song, but the beat isn’t there. It just seems like constant thrashing. It may be punk, but it’s not like the rest of the album. There’s something lacking, and the song could be improved, possibly the only downfall of the album, but something that needs to be worked on in the future.

“Miscounted Sheep” follows however, and falls back on track with the rest of the album. And pretty good all around, including a high-paced ending that can get any fan of punk music jumping.

That energy doesn’t end either with “S. Pulaski.” It may not be the most classy song, but it has plenty of potential, much like the rest of the album. “Pathological Flyer” is a very good song all-around. Good chorus, good lyrics, good everything.

But that’s not the end either, there’s also a little bonus track that follows it all up. It may not be anything like the rest of the songs, but it’s unique in it’s own way. It may not be polished or in much of any form, but it’s a more fitting ending to the album.

But all in all, this is an impressive CD from a little-known band, trying to become well-known. If Dreamfast was given the chance by any record label, one would be sure that they would impress and with patience and practice, improve upon their talent.

A few days ago, I was listening to Yellowcard’s first CD before they really hit it big, “One For The Kids,” and found certain parallels between them and Dreamfast. Each had their own style, each had a load of potential, and what Dreamfast needs to do, is put it all together and without a doubt they have a chance to become something most bands can only dream of.



Label: N/A
Release: February 7th, 2005

Track Listing:

01. Let There Be Light
02. Ashley Please
03. The Battle
04. No Coast Love Song
05. Matt vs. The View
06. I-30 & Me
07. Room 606
08. Miscounted Sheep
09. S. Pulaski
10. Pathological Flyer
11. (Bonus Track)

Rating:



Review by: Matt