It is difficult to categorize Dream Aria's new CD In The Wake. Keyboardist and composer Don Stagg has created driving soundscapes that have a touch of industrial/electro blended with mid-eastern flavors. Drummer and Producer Garry Flint keeps everything moving. But Dream Aria lives and dies with the operatic vocals of Ann Burstyn. Her throaty delivery and soaring melodies make this a unique and interesting CD. There is a constant India-influenced background that sets Dream Aria apart from any comparison.
"Spirit" sets the tone for what this band if capable of. Songs like this and the two part "In The Wake" show that Dream Aria is capable of crafting excellent songs. Others, like "Sungoddess" and "Opus Dei" simply rely too much on Burstyn's voice at the expense of solid songcraft. The ballad "Snapshot" is one song that is based on vocals but is layered deep enough to be considered among the CD's best songs. "Pacis" interjects almost a dance beat into this Electro song. And that is the one flaw in this CD, not enough consistency. The songs do not seem to flow together and provide the listener with any sense of Album.
In The Wake is recommended for fans of Iona, RPWL, and early Heart. It is a debut CD that shows the potential of Dream Aria. Many amazing moments are mixed throughout In The Wake. Other songs are not necessarily bad songs, they just don't live up to the high promise this band shows.
Track Listing
1) Spirit (4:09)
2) Sungoddess (4:30)
3) In The Wake – Soul (2:48)
4) In The Wake – Body (1:54)
5) Blue Lady (5:32)
6) Snapshot (3:33)
7) Pacis (4:46)
8) Promise (5:33)
9) He Touched My Soul (4:12)
10) Raindrops (3:33)
11) Opus Dei (4:25)
12) Spanish Nights (3:04)
13) 11th Hour (3:54)
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