A catharsis of post-punk, shoegaze, dream pop and Paisley Underground

Evan Linger (Skeletonwitch) and Julia Gaeta (Madrigal), two musicians with impressive credentials, formed the shoegaze/post-punk duo Dreamwheel and have released their first EP Redeemer. While both musicians come from different backgrounds, the pair have come together over their love of lush guitars, airy melodic vocals and a wall of sound production to deliver an engaging debut release that gives listeners high hopes for future releases from this band.

The EP does not waste time setting up the atmosphere, as the first track “Redeemer” takes the best elemental cues from bands like The Smiths and Siouxsie & The Banshees, injecting new life into the genre. By adding well-timed drum fills (courtesy of James Stewart), tight basslines and melodic but subtle vocals in the chorus – this makes a killer opener to kick things off with.

In “Chain of Fear” the rhythm section takes the lead. Delving into their post-punk influences featuring fast-paced drumming, driving bass groves, a layer of percussion from producer Tom Zwanzger and the ethereal vocals from Gaeta presents a more anthemic approach to the song seen from many bands in the genre. But Dreamwheel’s offering is more of a continuation of those bands, not a derivative of it.

The third track “Promised Land” takes cues from Linger’s previous band, as the intro’s pounding drums and ominous death metal guitar tones setup a slow brooding atmosphere. This contrasts the ethereal, dream pop melody of the vocals – making this song instant ear candy upon repeated listens. The closing outro then segues into what is arguably the best song and culmination of the sound of the EP.

“Bayou Rouge,” clocking in at six minutes, is engaging and melodic from start to finish. Taking cues from not just Siouxsie & The Banshees but Dum Dum Girls and Blonde Redhead as well, the track is the most expansive and expressive song on the release. The chiming guitars, fast drums, wispy vocals and psychedelic tones are progressive in the best way possible. No element is out of place and the playtime does not become a detriment, rather a modern epic destined to become a classic.

The closing track “Wild Days” takes elements of the Paisley Underground genre. Having elements of Opal, Green on Red and The Dream Syndicate, the closing track’s desert style atmosphere seems appropriate to end on, given the exciting and expressive sonic palate that listeners have heard from the very beginning.

A catharsis of post-punk, shoegaze, dream pop and Paisley Underground, Dreamwheel’s first EP brings new life into a genre, making this release a must for fans and newcomers alike. If Redeemer is a show of what’s to come, then Dreamwheel will have more exciting and tasteful releases yet to come in their career.