WL//WH Review THE ULTIMATE DREAMERS
photo by Nicolas Crombez & Catherine Fontaine
On February 7th, the new “Paradoxical Sleep” LP by The Ultimate Dreamers (Brussels) surfaced through the Alfa Matrix sub-label Spleen+. It is an ambitious album featuring 13 new tracks and 2 excellent collaborations; let me provide the information first –
“Paradoxical Sleep” was produced by Len Lemeire (known for his work with IMPLANT, 32CRASH, ANNE CLARK), “Paradoxical Sleep” features special guest vocals from Simona Ferrucci of WINTER SEVERITY INDEX on “Into the Fog” and June Dune of DEAD CRUSH on “The Knife”. The cherry on the cake is the addition of Sandrine’s cello on selected tracks which enhances the album’s haunting, melodic atmosphere.”
The album is dedicated to the memory of Philippe Pascal (Marquis de Sade, Marc Seberg), and is available digitally, and as a limited-edition colored vinyl (solid red or transparent violet), and a sleek digipak CD edition.
It is a lengthy and enjoyable album with many well-crafted episodes of Coldwave and Post-punk music art, with a very good sound and good production in general. I believe that it will not go unnoticed, since it contains a broad of ‘musings’ from the dark alternative front, but most importantly, it’s from a band with musical candor.
The first single was this gothic little diamond “Digging”, last September 13 …and this new album has quite a few such ornaments…
…and about 2 months ago the next one came up, the “Spiritchaser” that expands the hearing further down into the urban darkness…
…and a few days ago “Into The Fog (ft. Simona Ferrucci · Winter Severity Index)” also appeared, and I thought we had a pretty good feel for the new album.
The new album, “Paradoxical Sleep”, does not completely align with the band’s original vision for the first three singles. However, this may be a positive aspect, as the album also features a wide variety of darkwave-oriented music, including songs that offer a different kind of haze. Try “Kids Alone” i.e. or “Looking For”, and “Far Away”, where the band reveals a range of more mechanical qualities throughout the album. With 13 tracks, it wouldn’t be ideal—practically impossible—for all of them to follow the same pattern. Ultimately, the album supports my earlier statement about its ambitious nature.
The Ultimate Dreamers excel in their new album, demonstrating that when there is inspiration and a fertile environment for recordings, the outcome will first confirm their efforts and then reward us, the audience. The “Paradoxical Sleep” LP is likely to receive airplay on dedicated radio stations, and I plan to discuss it on the air. Don’t overlook this album; you might hear a track on a show that you enjoy and remember the name mentioned here on WL//WH. After all, that’s what radio stations are for.
“THE ULTIMATE DREAMERS lead you into the misty depths of the paradoxical labyrinth we call “life” – an essential sonic journey for all dark souls out there.” Here we go, press play and listen loud!!!
Keep Up with The Ultimate Dreamers:
Ultimate Dreamers, Sept. 28 2024 – Belvédère, Namur (by Cliq’Art)
Written by Mike D.
