opium dream estate - for there will none be left

Opium Dream Estate

For There Will None Be Left
Seventh Crow Records; 2013

3.9 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

I would  like to start out this review by thanking Opium Dream Estate (a French musical project formed by Sébastyén D.) for taking my expectations and turning them inside out with an original, ambitious sound that blends dark, ominous  ambient pieces with solid traditional songwriting.  For There Will None Be Left is a five-song EP from the artist that is an adventurous  achievement in that it combines unlikely genres such as post-rock. ambient, folk, and darkwave to name a few. It kind of sounds like Oneohtrix Point Never decided to pick up a guitar and write a folk song.

The album opens with “Shroud (Sleep Now),” which is an  instrumental song that is on the verge of being terrifying in the best way.  In the beginning of the song you are greeted with a melody that sounds like it is coming from a music box from the 1960’s that is slightly detuned. It fades, making way for an ominous fog that is front and center but also blended with a creepy vocal utterance that sounds just a tad bit evil.  

The cloud of darkness is dispersed rather quickly once “Weathered and Timeless” is introduced. It is not completely gone but the bright acoustic and electric guitars and vocal melody provide some solace from the first track. “Dead Souls” soars in a sedated way while “Forget Me Not” is a beautiful acoustic song that is layered with many elements that crackle making it seem more vibrant and alive. 

“End (Of Those Autumn Dreams) “ is another instrumental track that closes the EP. The song is contemplative and lies in a pool of sadness, wonder and nostalgia. It’s a short song but powerful in that it provides a sense of sense of stillness when you listen to it, especially at loud volumes.

Opium Dream Estate beats to his own drum and makes it work. He has created a short yet powerful statement with For There Will None Be Left that showcases his ability to blend genres into original compositions.

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