Nel Unlit's 3rd single "Dream's Theme" from their rock opera based on Neil Gaiman's "Sandman" Graphic Novel series

AP Track Review

Sometimes approaching a concept album can feel daunting especially one that is based on an already lauded iconic piece of work. There is a level of commitment (or so it would seem) tapping into songs that are inspired by another medium but I wouldn't worry when you push play on UK based Nel Unlit's mind swirling Dream's Theme (featuring Dressed Like Wolves). This collective of nine songwriters, musicians, storytellers with roots throughout the North East of England and Northern Ireland (past and present members of Sullivan and Gold, Dressed Like Wolves, Pellethead, General Sherman and Hold Music) got together in 2016 and are releasing their debut album "Wake for the Dreaming", a rock opera based on Worlds' End from Neil Gaiman's iconic "Sandman" graphic novel series. 

I admit that the source material is something I have heard about but not something that I have dived into, not even dipped a toe into but it really doesn't matter. The song's stand alone as beautifully complex and engaging pieces of graphic art as well. Dream's Theme (the third single from the upcoming album set to be released on February 14th, 2020 on Butterfly Effect, on limited edition, snow white vinyl, and Spooker Rekkids) is an intimately drawn affair, a sonic diorama with imagery told in a sort of deep orchestrated folk style (or maybe folk tales style). I love the heavy resonance here, the vocal melodies and the chorus that soars on an incredibly celebratory beat and ascending sounds. Not knowing the source material doesn't hinder and, in fact, makes the words and images that float up in your brain more vexing really and thus making this piece of art feel more avant garde. I thought of Modest Mouse a bit in that way. Very cool sounding track. I wish it was longer as the dream ended much too quickly for me.

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Robb Donker




THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:

Nel Unlit have announced the release of their debut album “Wake for the Dreaming”, a rock-opera based on Worlds’ End from Neil Gaiman’s epic “Sandman” graphic novel series.

The album has been produced and mixed by the band with the help of Peter Brewis of Mercury Prize nominated Field Music and will be released on February 14th 2020 on Butterfly Effect (vinyl) and Spooker Rekkids with single Dream’s Theme preceding it on January 17th 2020. The album features a cast of singers, each playing a role within the story, including, Tom Joshua, Our Krypton Son, Dressed Like Wolves and Before Breakfast.

Nel Unlit are a group of nine songwriters, storytellers and musicians who have their roots all over the North East of England and Northern Ireland. Despite the idea for the project brewing for 7 years, the band officially formed in 2016, from past and present members of Sullivan and Gold, Dressed Like Wolves, Pellethead, General Sherman and Hold Music and began making music in the attic of musical institution Westgarth Social Club.

The multi-instrumental nine piece, have developed an expansive live show, complete with violin, cello, saxophone, clarinet, accordion, field recordings and two drummers and have played extensively throughout the UK including festivals, Hardwick Live, Tipping Point, Twisterella and Stockton Calling.

Singles “Fireflies” and “Apple” earned the band critical acclaim, radio play on BBC Radio 6, track of the week on BBC Tees and comparisons to Nick Drake, Richard Dawson, Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver.

“Our hero crashes his car and becomes lost” explains lyricist Jon Horner, “before discovering a mysterious Inn. Here, he is told stories by peculiar guests, tales of wily hangmen, Christ like child presidents and more. It is these stories that make up the rest of the album.”