Dystopia: Tree of language Dreamcatcher album review

Introduction: meet Dreamcatcher

As the Korean music scene grows in popularity, many groups form and try to copy previous success. However, Dreamcatcher has always been true to their mysterious and epic concepts throughout their career, since debuting in 2017. This group has made a song in almost every genre. "Sleepwalking" from their 2017 mini album Prequel-EP features distinct electronic synthesizers and 808 bass. While off their latest album Dystopia: The tree of language B-side track "Red Sun" sports gothic costumes and heavy hitting classical organ give the song a spooky vibe. This contrasts against the other rock and R&B songs from other albums. Dreamcatcher also takes their music into their own hands, even though they are part of a entertainment company. The members write lyrics, co-produce, and even create the choreography for some of their songs.

2020 Album Dystopia: Tree of language

Carving itself into history as DreamCatcher’s first full length album is Dystopia: Tree of language. This album, which was released in February 2020, has given me happiness throughout the tough times so far as we deal with COVID-19. This album has easily become my everyday favourite because it includes a song for every mood. As I wake up, I listen to their R&B/pop track “Dawn” (새벽). During the day while studying, or working at the desk I switch to blood pumping rock tracks like title song “Scream”, “SAHARA” or “Black or White”.

Special Clip: SAHARA

This music video was unofficially made by our very own DreamCatcher while they waited backstage before performing “Scream” at inkigayo plaza.

In this album Dreamcatcher expanded to make many genre bending tracks. Although the title song is “Scream”, they have given special attention to promote “Black or White”, “Sahara”, and “Red Sun”. These songs all get their own love from Dreamcatcher to entertain us during this time we have at home during quarantine.I have had plenty of time now to practice the choreography for “Black or White”. It has made exercise more fun at home and if you are bored I would encourage you to learn along with me!

“Black or White” is a wonderful example of Dreamcatcher’s ability to blend rock style music with their strong but soft vocals. The lyrics for “Black or White” were co-written by the band's member Siyeon. Below is a live performance stage of "Black or white".

Breaking barriers with "Jazz Bar"

This track adds even more array to the album with strong R&B drums blended with jazzy piano and guitar. Dreamcatcher has reputation as a rock girl group, but they truly have a song for almost every music fan, even ballad lovers.

"Jazz Bar" entrances us with the suave vocals of our Dreamcatcher's Siyeon, Jiu, Handong, Yoohyeon, SuA, and Gahyeon, with a special vocal surprise from the groups rapper, Dami. Dami shows her softer side to us in a few tracks on this album. She has done so in the past with some of Dreamcatcher's earlier ballads such as Deja Vu as well.

Since the release of this album, Dreamcatcher has worked hard to provide us with live performances since concerts are all cancelled from COVID-19. This way we can enjoy all of their songs, live performances, and music videos while staying safe. My favorite part is this album combined with the previous Dreamcatcher’s playlist makes it perfect for time at home. You can listen to “ This is DREAMCATCHER” on spotify or youtube.

Title track "Scream" has had it's fair share of live recorded performances, so you can choose your favorite version, or pretend you followed them on a real world-tour, all from home!

"In the Frozen" pushes the boundaries of genre

This song starts with eerie notes and pads, which leads to the perfect mood setting for Yoohyeon's angelic vocals. This song is one on the album with raps from Dami, tieing in the original vibe of Dreamcatchers songs. A blend of rock, pop, and dance music always lingers in their tracks. However, Dreamcatcher truly has made their own genre by blending all of these together. They have made their own signature style and every previous mini-album they have released has lead up to Dystopia: Tree of Language. Every song this album is unique to Dreamcatcher, yet they show new sides of themselves as well. Easily every track on the album could be a title song, as many insomnias think (the name for Dreamcatcher fans). I personally love listening to this so I can perform it dramatically in the shower. But it’s also good for working out since it retains the hype in the chorus.

Enter a dreamy world at "Daybreak"

This song in particular shows the delicate yet strong ability of Dreamcatchers vocalists. "Daybreak" or "Dawn" shows a dreamier and more lovely side compared to other tracks on this album. Since this track also shows R&B influence through the guitar and bass, it pairs with "Jazz Bar" on the album well. It is important to see an album as a story to some artists, and these songs from Dystopia: tree of Language change their mood quite often. However, if you listen to whole album you can feel the essence of Dreamcatcher. Since their early music videos they wind in a story of a group of friends who met in school. They way Dreamcatcher connects all of their music together makes it beautiful as a story, but each song is strong enough on it's own to be enjoyed without knowing any meaning behind it. Not only do I love listening to “Daybreak” when I wake up, but it’s also a favorite of mine to listen to while relaxing on the porch in the evenings

Siyeon brings us to paradise

Everything will be okay

The spotlight also switches to Siyeon for a moment as the last track. This 4-minute song sounds at first like many other lovely ballads yet as it progresses it stained my heart with emotions of sadness and hope. The vocals of this solo track show how far she and all of Dreamcatcher has come. To show us even more love to fans, there are around 4 different versions of this song: black, white, piano, and original. We see what you did there Siyeon.

like a true Dreamcatcher, after every night they catch my nightmares to be burnt by the sun the next morning.

Dreamcatcher: ending nightmares

Since the start of quarantine, I find myself listening more and more to Dreamcatcher’s songs. All of their tracks are emotional and empowering, they have helped me deal with my own emotions through this as well. When I exercise, their songs keep me motivated as if I could survive the “SAHARA”. When I awake at “Daybreak” their songs give me optimism. They tell me the world is not “Black or white”. Their songs have honestly helped me survive the “Tension” of this situation even when I wanted to “Scream”. When I can see my friends and loved ones again, I would love to see a live concert from Dreamcatcher once their tour resumes. I know we’ll be singing a whole Dreamcatcher playlist at karaoke as soon as we can. Honestly, these songs have given me a bit of “Paradise” throughout this quarantine. Everytime I now hear their songs I’m reminded of how they empowered and comforted me. During this I have realized what Dreamcatcher’s music means to me. By showing their emotions they have revealed mine. And like a true Dreamcatcher, after every night they catch my nightmares to be burnt by the sun the next morning. The love Dreamcatcher has shown us through this is proof we are not alone in any way. We will get through it all and become better than before.

Let's all dance our way through quarantine with Dreamcatcher!