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Rating: In the swirling new wave of the early eighties, the DREAM SYNDICATE stand out for their unique creativity and musical language that would influence countless bands in the years to follow.
Born in Los Angeles in 1982 at the hands of singer-guitarist Steve Wynn and bassist Kendra Smith, they debuted with a masterpiece "The Days of Wine and Roses" that undoubtedly draws from the psychedelic scene of the '60s (Velvet Underground being the primary influence). Intoxicated lyrics addressing alienation and terror, a Lou Reed-esque singing style accompanied by harsh riffs and the feedback of the other guitarist Karl Precoda, make the group the sick image of a generation in an identity crisis.
It kicks off with "Tell Me When It's Over" where the melody perfectly blends with a recurring guitar riff that continues into "Until Lately". "That's What You Always Say" opens with a powerful bass laying the path for frantic and distorted guitars, "Then She Remembers Until Lately" worthy of the best Stooges and MC5, is a frenetic rock and roll ride, while "Halloween" reaches its peak with searing feedback and raga rhythms akin to Velvet Underground.
"When You Smile" is hypnotic and surreal, brushing against deep psychedelia with Wynn's fantastic spoken word, "Until Lately" is disjointed and crazy blues, and "Too Little Too Late", visionary and ascetic in a Nico style, opens arms to the final gem; the title track with a rockabilly rhythm whose chorus immediately catches the listener's ear, making them eager to relive the entire album.
I also recommend the second album "Medicine Show," more mature but less direct and spontaneous than "The Days of Wine and Roses".
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By coccagnocca
When he wielded that damn guitar, it seemed like all that rot and acid went directly onto the instrument, the strings, and passed through the cable to come out like an angry scream from the amplifier.
An album to listen to in one breath that 26 years after its release still manages to give strong emotions and leave a mark.
