#in-dreamview

Ampevene at No Fun with

Shardik

kevin wulf

Sometimes simplicity is the key to success. And New Jersey’s post-rock outfit In-Dreamview knows this well. That’s not to say that they make simple songs, not even a little bit. In-Dreamview’s strength lies within their directness. There’s no pussyfooting, no bullshit, and no overthought to be found in any of their tracks. Their first album Faction of Deer was clear and concise. Most of the band’s tracks revolve around an idea, and from there they take off into space, leaving free range for that thought to blossom. Their second full length, Reverie, released earlier this year, follows suit, however demonstrating a refinement of the band’s signature sound. 

Immediately, Lunar Halo, the opener, shows this aspect of the band’s composition. The track is prompt, frenetic, and functions as sort of a fugue. Lovely guitar arpeggios, and ghastly melodies fill the air and suck you in. The following track, Zenith, probably my favorite on the album, is dreamy and introspective, introducing a beautiful piano to the mix. I could lose myself in this track. In fact, that’s quite characteristic of the album as whole. The riffs and concrete licks aren’t imposing. They are presented, and the listener’s mind is free to roam and travel with the tune. While the concrete stuff is good to say the least, the abstract (and perhaps jazzy) side of Reverie is what makes it a standout.

But it’s not all feeling: there’s plenty of technique and genuinely great arrangements. Take for example the vibrant and joyous guitars in Monolith. With bouncy rhythms, and possibly the closest thing to a happy riff in the whole album, the track is a standout. After the catchy riff, the guitars are left to their own devices, giving ample room for lovely solos to develop organically. Speaking of organically, one of my favorite moments on the album is in the sixth track, Human Nature, when the head nodding (headbanging is sort of a stretch) beat fades into the ether, and we are left with a sort of psychedelic mesh of aural feedback and hollow noise. The transition works perfectly, showcasing the band’s creativeness, and a great diversity of sound.