ZANRYUPA calls their shoegaze sound “silkygaze.” The five-song EP arrives after a May 2025 single debut. In terms of style and sound, Dream, dream, dream is a perfect album for people who want shoegaze music.
Opening Dream, dream, dream, “Dreamcatcher” is composed in the standard shoegaze genre style. It has a wide-ranging introduction that leads into a repetitive, but melodic verse that switches from vocals to instrumentals. The five-minute and 33-second length lets the song explore and move at a deliberate pace. When the chorus starts, the melody is lifted into a higher range.
Foise‘s vocals are presented in an ethereal way with filters to blend the sound within the instrumentals. The song proves that Jaema knows how to compose the style and lift the genre without sounding repetitive.
“Dreamless” is a minute-long transition that leads into “Dreamwalk.” The songs don’t directly connect, but it feels like “Dreamless” is made to set up the immediate impact of “Dreamwalk.” The introduction has more impact. And on the surface, “Dreamwalk” sounds like a repeat of “Dreamcatcher,” but ZANRYUPA offers a bigger soundscape. Umin‘s bass and Ethan‘s drums may sound simple across each verse, but they are the song’s foundations. Like the genre requires, ZANRYUPA pours wave after wave of sound into your ears.
The band adopts different rhythms on “Dreamland.” Instead of a standard 4/4 rhythm, there’s a new feeling and tone. The guitars from Jaema and Foise provide a guide as Umin and Ethan create the landscape that you walk on. The tempo feels only slightly slower than previous songs, but that gives the seven-minute song even more time to explore and develop. The bridge transition is also an excellent twist.
The last song and the EP’s single is “dream, dream, dream.” It’s the least shoegaze song on Dream, dream, dream, but might be the most “silkygaze” with a larger focus on melodies in the guitar and vocals. It’s kind of a mix between shoegaze and indie rock instead of the previous song’s deep shoegaze. It’s a nice light closer and also a good choice as the main single to attract new listeners.
Dream, dream, dream is an excellent EP. It favors the melodic side of shoegaze and showcases ZANRYUPA’s signature style and sound.
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Written by Chris P for Korean Indie.