“They want you dumb, scared and cornered.”
It’s not uncommon for a specific genre to make a comeback in the scene but nothing has quite taken the music industry like shoegaze. The genre peaked during the eighties and faded from the charts in the mid-nineties. Easily distinguished by its dreamy vocal technique and reverb heavy guitar, it was noticed whenever it was in the scene. Since it tragically became less prominent, many other genres had their turn, and it was the last thing thought to once again find the spotlight. Gen-Z and the surge in social media revived the trend in a way where multi-generation audiences are eagerly waiting for what will come out of it next. Dream Fatigue are a band to watch as a newer addition to the genre with latest EP No Requiem likely to be a release for the scene to celebrate.
With Drummer Matt Wood, formerly a member of Fleshwater in the line-up for this EP, understandably expectations are high, and they wouldn’t be misinformed. This seven-track atmospheric display of emotions easily highlights the best that Dream Fatigue has to offer. The band has a history of taking a prominent rock stance, with 2024 EP the lady in the sky having a stronger guitar presence and harsher vocals, which differs from what’s to come which has a much deeper feeling in terms of lyricism and mood with some songs taking on a more spiritual tone. Important topics like being your own saviour paired with the emotions in the gentler vocal tone clearly separates the two projects and signifies a new era in their music career.
The piece opens with “Look up”, a dynamic and attention-grabbing mix of effortless, resonant high-notes and sharp alt-rock guitar riffs. The heavier start to the song undoubtedly pulls in interest but the slower mid-section of the track is a great way of adjusting focus to Jonali McFadden’s soft yet haunting vocals which solidifies just how versatile the band can be. Heavy guitar and drum fills blasting through the beginning of each song followed by the siren-like vocals becomes a pattern and lasts for much of the piece and acts as a head-bang worthy guide into the dramatic shift of track four, “Codeine Lullaby” which compared to the rest of the track list, acts just like the name suggests. Gentle and captivating strums open the song accompanied by soft cymbals and feels like a disturbing kind of comfort. This shows a unique level of versatility within the piece that leads nicely into the final and title track which ends us on a heavier note which is reminiscent of the band’s previous work with a pop-punk tone taking to the forefront.
These tones were all planned and produced by vocalist Jonali, who seems to have had a very intentional direction in mind. Her production skills allow for an exciting listen with many breakdowns, and a well-rounded show of skills. Another member to take note of is drummer Matt Wood who has an extensive history in the industry, leaving his first band in 2005 and ending up in Fleshwater until a broken wrist meant a replacement was needed for their 2023 tour. Now, he has a heavy presence in their upcoming music and contributed to the writing process. With his level of experience under his belt, it begs for an enthusiastic reception.
It’s clear to me that Dream Fatigue’s career is only improving. With a sharper and more extensive demonstration of their talents laid out throughout this EP, it’s memorable for all the right reasons and represents some important topics which places them in an overwhelmingly positive light. The band has set themselves apart with incredible use of their talents, hitting the key qualities of shoegaze with a plethora of alternative rock influences elevating the listening experience into what can only be described as ethereal.
7/10
No Requiem releasing through DAZE Records on Friday 13th February 2026, and can be pre-ordered here.