Belgian post-punk/coldwave act The Ultimate Dreamers have recently released Echoing Reverie, their new album. Although the band started in the mid-eighties, it is only now that they are releasing what could be considered their first full-length. Before that, we could enjoy their selection of demos Live Happily Whie Waiting for Death, released in 2021, and the EP Polarized. The album, which has appeared in a limited edition on vinyl, CD and digital download has been released by the label Spleen +, which is a subdivision of the popular Alfa Matrix.
Last year we had the opportunity to see the band on Halloween night in Brussels and they played a fantastic gig where we could listen to some of the new tracks and also buy the material released so far. If they play near your city during the tour for this album, don’t hesitate and go to see them.
When I heard that this album was going to be released, I didn’t hesitate to order it in one of my favourite shops, but sadly, it hasn’t arrived yet. So, I am commenting the Bandcamp version. In this new work, produced by Len Lemeire, we find two of the songs we already knew from the previous single, a remix of Implant and a cover of AC/DC‘s “Hell Bells”! “Polarized” is a very good start for the album, a very catchy and powerful track with a edgy sound. A great sample of coldwave properly updated resulting in great single. “A Day in The Life”, which shares its name with the famous Beatles‘ song, also has a quite dreamy part with a more direct ending. I also highlight Frédéric’s heartfelt interpretation. It is another track that will captivate you. “Piano Ghost” is a curious piece, with a very careful atmosphere thanks to some haunting keyboards and with somegood guitar playing. The version of “Hell’s Bell” is dark and sinister, with another great vocal performance. For a moment you might think it’s one of their own songs and the other a cover, because it really suits the band. “Midnight” is another passionate and quite catchy song. “Big Violent” sounds original, again haunting and with a great guitar sound.
The digital version also contains “I Loved You?!”, already known from their demo version and from the Polarized EP. It’s another of their great tracks, powerful and direct in equal measure. And finally, we have Implant‘s remix of this track, which he gives a slightly more danceable touch.
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