If I had to describe “Dreamchild” in a single sentence, I would say that “it’s the album that the industry needed“. I must be honest, I’m not a big fan of rock, but, if you use to read my articles, you know that I really appreciate innovation and risk, and “Dreamchild” is full of both of them. Even if it’s a short album with only 6 new tracks, I think that we can all agree that it can be considered as the starting point of a new genre: the “Rock House“. Trying to reinvent a genre is always an unsafe move, but this time the conditions were favourable to do so. Kaaze is a pure artist, a person that still cares more about music than money. If a guy like him wants to recreate the sounds that remind him of his younger years, he will just do it, you can’t convince him otherwise.
The result? You’ll see it in the next lines.
Chain Me Up (feat. Nino Lucarelli)
87/100
I know I’m starting with a really high rating, but (little spoiler) the whole album is a gem, so expect lots of 80+ in the next paragraphs. This first song is a perfect “showkaaze” for his intentions… As a (former) violin and cello player, I love strings, so I just can say that the drop is beautiful. The structure and the instrumentation slightly reminded me of “Tough Love”, but, in my opinion, the “gipsy” vibe of the Avicii’s song has nothing to do with “Chain Me Up”, which is deeper and more mature.
Up In Smoke (feat. NEEN)
86/100
We have already reviewed this amazing collaboration. You can find it here.
Poison Lips (feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn)
77/100
Here we find the first of the new tracks that were put into “Dreamchild”. Jonathan Mendelsohn offered an amazing performance in this Kaaze’s classic style tune that, although it’s definitely well-produced, still lacks some emotions in the main melody. The guitar riff that plays throughout the composition deserves a special mention, because it really adds that freshness and that “Dreamchild” touch that I was looking for.
People Are Strange (feat. Maddix & Nino Lucarelli)
70/100
This collaboration with Maddix and Nino Lucarelli was not what I expected. Well, I admit that when I saw Maddix in the title I knew that this wouldn’t be my favourite track… I will be clear: I don’t like Maddix’s Progressive House. For me, this genre is all about emotional melodies, and, if I think he’s technically impressive, I don’t consider Maddix as a great melody maker. “People Are Strange” is not a bad song at all, the vocal is very catchy, but it’s one of my least favorites of the album.
Eye Of The Storm (feat. Nino Lucarelli)
78/100
As the title suggests, it’s a hard-hitting and powerful production, having Kaaze’s lucky boy Nino Lucarelli as the vocalist on this one. It follows the already known scheme of the “Dreamchild”‘s concept, featuring rock instruments and progressive synths. I liked the melody, somehow it’s easy to associate it quickly with the name of the song.
My Favorite Enemy (feat. Nino Lucarelli)
79/100
The first thing we can appreciate is the obvious change in the structure: it doesn’t have drops. It’s more like a pure rock tune, with Nino Lucarelli doing an amazing vocal work again. As I’m not an expert on this genre, I can just say that I enjoyed listening to this without being a rock fan, so I think that it’s the best compliment I can do.
California Gold (Triplet) (feat. KARRA)
91/100
I thought very much about giving a 90+ to this song, but I think it deserves it. You all know “Triplet“, it’s one of my favorite Kaaze’s tracks ever and it’s one of his most representative works.
In the same way, I think that KARRA is one of the best female vocalists of the scene, so her voice just improved an already magnificent instrumental. The lyrics are not adding a specific message to “Triplet”, but the beautiful overall sound compensates it.
That’s a perfect vocal for a perfect instrumental.
Devil Inside Me (ft. KSHMR & KARRA)
88/100
We have already reviewed this amazing collaboration. You can find it in our Weekly Recap 21.
This Is Our Kingdom (feat. Elle Vee)
72/100
In this more “poppish” tune, Elle Vee completes the phenomenal vocalist cast of the album, formed by the very best EDM singers out there. It’s not my style at all, but, if it’s a bit more commercial oriented than the rest of the tracks, it still that has Kaaze’s signature sound that is instantly recognizable.
I Should Have Walked Away (feat. Nino Lucarelli)
86/100
Being one of the first Kaaze’s tracks of the year, I think that you almost know everything about it. I’ll just remark the splendid work of Nino Lucarelli and the amazing sound design of the drop.
Dark Angel (feat. Elle Vee)
80/100
We’ve reached “Dreamchild”‘s end with this last composition in which Elle Vee is taking over on the vocals. It’s just pure Kaaze’s Progressive House, correct but not outstanding. It’s delicate and classy, but, unfortunately, I’m not feeling the melody at all.
Maybe “Dreamchild” is not the best EDM album of the year.
Maybe we could expect even a bit more for such a talented guy like Kaaze.
Maybe… Well, there are lots of maybes, but, as I said at the beginning, this was the album that the industry needed. An album full of passion, childish memories, a lot of rock influences and, most importantly, an album with a real personality.
I must tell a big ”thank you” to Kaaze and all his team members for delivering this blow of fresh air to our ears.
What do you think?
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