Drawing us in with a descending, astral synthscape, expanding with a dimensional guitar performance and textured drums, Dream Bodies opens Run with a brooding, dark-wave vocal performance that reminds us of The Cure.

We immediately connect with the emotional depth and cerebral value of what manifests. The instrumentation is dynamic, and the prose is laced with poetic prowess. Run is about notions of escape and self-discovery.

We leave behind the city lights and noise, and run into the openness of the desert night in search of freedom and release. The imagery of wind in our hair, floating higher, and chasing something “out there” invites us to break free from constraints and reconnect with a more authentic self.

The symbolism of desert stars shows clarity, truth, and a reminder of the vastness beyond the mundane. At the same time, the lyrics acknowledge that running away may not entirely erase the past. “The ghosts you left” highlights how memories, regrets, or unresolved issues might linger.

All in all the adventure is refined, cinematic and cohesive. We learn that Dream Bodies is the solo project of artist Steven Fleet, who has worked with members of Magic Wands, VV and the Void, Night Nail, and Boytronic, and toured the US/UK/Europe with bands like the Chameleons.

The project is designed to blend post-punk, darkwave, and dreampop, drawing from The Chameleons, The Glove, Clan of Xymox, Sad Lovers and Giants, The Cure, New Order/Joy Division, Cocteau Twins, Sisters of Mercy, Echo and the Bunnymen, Depeche Mode, Molchat Doma, and the KVB, which we can definitely feel come to life, although it is also clear that Steven is on a path of his own!

Speaking on the release, Steven confesses that Run serves as his fifth single and is about “venturing into the unknown, into the dark vastness of possibility. Seeking something in that cloud of unknowing, sensing there’s something out there: a destiny, a purpose not yet fulfilled. Yet, all the while you’re haunted by the past version of yourself that you need to leave behind into order to metamorphose into the you that you wish to become.”

We love the depth and intention that Dream Bodies creates with, and have added Run to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream his preceding four singles, namely Circle of Light, Don’t Look Back (which we previously reviewed), Eclipse, and Dream Hangover.

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Establishing the mood with textured 80s drums, descending toms and an astral melodic hook with luscious and dimensional synths, Dream Bodies opens Don’t Look Back with atmospheric, dark-wave adjacent vocals that immediately remind us of The Cure.

We are hypnotized by the composition as the star invites to keep our eyes on track and shares philosophical depth with metaphorical concepts. We love the broad concepts that Dream Bodies brings to life with Don’t Look Back. There is a conscious optimism to his message, and self-realized wisdom that he transmutes with the song.

The soundscape solo is stunning, dramatic and holds a cinematic allure. There is no doubt that Don’t Look Back is perfect for a Hollywood synch deal – perhaps a sequel of Drive or The Neon Demon. As for the lyricism, Don’t Look Back serves as a reflection on leaving behind a painful and uncertain past for a cathartic and peaceful future.

This is symbolized by the notions of lost love and missed connections, and Dream Bodies choosing to move forward with an air of hope. The imagery of waiting for a train that never comes and a blue and black sky point towards the emotional struggle of letting go, but there is resolution at the end.

We learn that Dream Bodies is the solo project of Steven Fleet, creating his unique sound by blending post-punk, darkwave, and dreampop influences from bands like The Cure, Joy Division, and Cocteau Twins. We can feel these influences come through with Don’t Look Back , but there is no doubt that Dream Bodies is manifesting a universe of his own.

We have added Don’t Look Back to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Dream Bodies, including his debut single, Dream Hangover, and sophomore single, Eclipse.

The post Dream Bodies takes us on a haunting, nostalgic, and resolute dark-wave trip with dimensional new single, Don’t Look Back appeared first on KIMU.