In Dreams are a four-piece hard rock/metal band hailing from Pretoria in South Africa
who gained a considerable fanbase through touring and had a lot of radio play back in
2005, but split due to problems with their record label. Now reformed, they are a
stronger force than ever, and Forgive Me is good evidence that they are now at the
height of their powers creatively.
Their sound is heavy yet still commercial, with the loud/quiet dynamics of Nirvana
(the vocalist not dissimilar to Kurt Cobain either) and elements of metal bands like
Slayer and Metallica. Forgive Me is well structured, with a brooding, building verse
then the chorus hook giving the track a huge lift, memorable enough to latch in your
mind upon first listening, which is a great sign for its potential on rock radio.
All the musicianship is first class, with each member playing for the song though
there is a searing guitar solo towards the end that shows they can rock with the best of
them. Even here though, the solo is well crafted and fits the music perfectly, rather
than simply a display of virtuosity. The vocals are passionate and raw, delivered with
conviction and intensity. The production is also raw, more like the Nirvana of In
Utero than the polished slickness of Nevermind. It is certainly in no way
uncommercial sounding, however.
With other songs as strong as this In Dreams will become a musical force to be
reckoned with and may find their success exceeds what they achieved in their first
incarnation, hopefully becoming well known outside their native country. Let’s hope
this time they can stay together for good, for rock music is more than ever in need of
saviours.
