Carlton Heston - D.R.E.A.M.
Following the tremendous Gods of the Dead, Heston irrationally overflooded his discography with filler LPs in lieu of a collection of B-Sides. Released December 30th, 2021, his sophomore album was lacklustre.
The ideas are noteworthy on D.R.E.A.M, though the execution is lacking. Overall, it lacks refinement and development. D.R.E.A.M., the title track, is enjoyably delirious, yet it disappointingly cuts short. Moreover, the opening 6 tracks are all too short, with the exception of the well-developed and spooky Huntsman. This time round the playing is still fanatic and inviting, though the vocals are lacking. Nonetheless, the atmosphere is quite food, such as on W WILL BE THERE (IN THE RED) and (Don't Stop) Believin' (Who Fears the Devil?). What Lies? Marks an impressive turn for the album, in which the remaining songs are fruitful and developed. What Lies? Drenches the listener within a pounding drum track and masochistic soundscape. Ladder Song fluffs about significantly, though its atmosphere is strong and inviting, and ends with a powerful, captivating climax of fuzzy guitars, frantic plucking, and an industrial whirl of noise. The barrage is followed by a fairly standard lullaby Sweltering Summer of ’92 and a schizophrenic closer Separate Ways; both tracks are lacking fresh ideas, though balance out the track-listing well.
The album could have stood proud next to Gods of the Dead if it weren’t so underbaked. It’s evident by Carlton Heston’s release schedule he’s more concerned with quantity than quality. The artist should take a note from De Blimp, a band who once were stunted due to the same errors. Refinement is the bridge between mediocrity and substance.
Above Average
Listen to it here:
Carlton Heston - D.R.E.A.M.
