A gothic folk sound conjuring ghostly beauty, “Dream River” is a new single from Natalie Bouloudis. The London-based artist first grabbed our attention in 2019 with the single “Outlaster,” and now “Dream River” continues a tendency for riveting folk unfolding — this time within a darkly invigorating engrossment. Bouloudis’ steady vocal haunts complement murky guitar twangs, unfolding alongside string-laden mystique.
Twanging guitars, booming bass, and Bouloudis’ chilling vocals establish an immediate entrancement. Wordless vocal escalations and reflective strings prove heartrending, culminating gorgeously into electric guitar intrigue as the “late blooms,” sequence gets underway. “The air hangs close,” the vocals then begin during a brief percussive pause, aptly referencing a “heavy mood,” as the more distorted guitar jangling takes hold as dreams burn slowly. Full of riveting, darkly stylish appeal, “Dream River” is another standout from Natalie Bouloudis.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.