Dream State

Blending math-rock intricacies with punk drive and metal force, Welsh post-hardcore outfit Dream State heightens the immediacy already present in their sound. Formed in 2014, the lineup featured vocalist CJ Gilpin, guitarists Aled Rhys Evans and Rhys Wilcox, drummer Jamie Lee, and bassist Danny Ryer. The band issued their debut EP, Consequences, the year after formation. Australian label UNFD signed them in 2017 and subsequently put out the breakthrough single "White Lies." The Recovery EP arrived in 2018 and addressed Gilpin's prior struggles with drug addiction, earlier trauma, and resulting depression; strong critical response to the release secured Dream State the Best Newcomer honor at The Kerrang! Awards. Slight roster adjustments took place in 2019 when Danny Ryer stepped away to focus on family, yet the group still delivered their first full-length album, Primrose Path, before the year ended.