The Strength to Dream
The Strength to Dream presents a band who have found their character but are still learning how to deliver it. Warning play slow doom metal with few decorations. The guitars hold their notes for a long time, and Patrick Walker's singing tries to make the sombre mood personal.
From The Return to the closing The Strength To Dream, that limited palette remains in place. The five songs have plenty of time to develop. There are no keyboards to enlarge the emotions and no long technical displays to claim the attention. Guitar, voice and drums have to carry the full weight together.
That is also the appeal. The riffs are clear and the melodies give the heavy music a human side. When the band find a convincing pattern, they need very little else. How Can It Happen is a strong example of how effective this traditional approach can be, giving the slow guitars a recognisable identity.
The performance is not equally assured throughout. Walker's voice sounds uncertain at times, and the production gives the riffs less depth than they could have. The drums are noticeably active, creating plenty of movement around the slower guitars. This brings energy, but sometimes draws attention away from the atmosphere the other parts are trying to maintain.
As a result, the length is not always earned. Some passages wait a long time for a change which genuinely increases the tension. Even so, The Strength to Dream offers more than an imperfect first step towards a better record. Its simplicity, strong riffs and distinctive voice make clear why this band matter. It mainly needs patience and a willingness to hear the strong ideas beneath the rougher performance.
