Album review: Dreamend – So I Ate Myself, Bite By Bite
Dreamend is the side project of Black Moth Super Rainbow member and Graveface Records head honcho Ryan Graveface. Whilst Black Moth Super Rainbow deal in electronica, Dreamend very much goes back to the origins of American folk music with their unashamedly DIY banjo, guitar, organ, drums and even bells as their weapons of choice. But don’t be fooled, this is not the radio friendly sun drenched folk that we’re used to, Oh no! Dreamend is the deranged, twisted monstrous twin kept chained in the attic. Aided by fellow BMSR band member Tobacco and members of label mates The Appleseed Cast, Graveface delivers an album that while not really a concept album follows a nightmarish story of a character that acts out his evil, murderous fantasies as he spirals into madness.
From the opening bars of ‘Pink Cloud In The Woods’ it quickly becomes apparent that the genius of ‘So I ate Myself, Bite By Bite’ is in its deceptiveness. The songs on the surface have an innocent feel about them, helped by the catchy melodies and upbeat nature, but as you catch snippets of lyrics you realise that all is not good. Initially it doesn’t sound that bad; as they sing ‘and I know just who you think you are’ in ‘Where You Belong’ it sounds like he’s just a bit of bitter. By ‘Pieces’ however your left in no doubt as they cheerfully sing ‘I can’t believe it’s just yesterday/I cleaned my hands and washed the blood away’. The album closes with the epic 10 minute finale ‘An Admission’ which ends with a all out assault on the ears as all the instruments are thrashed to death, maybe a musical metaphor for the assault on his victims? ‘So I ate Myself, Bite By Bite’ is an interesting album both musically and lyrically. Unsettling? Sure! An accurate indight into the mind of a deranged killer? Probably not, but Dreamend plan a sequel for release in 2011 and I for one can’t wait! 7/10
Mark Cousens
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