Thursday , March 28 2024
Listening to ‘The Dream of a God’ is much like hearing the soundtrack to a horror movie.

Music Review: 061180 – ‘The Dream of a God’

John Parnell of 061180I’d like to think of myself as open to new experiences, which is why I picked up Alabama experimental artist 061180’s new concept album titled The Dream of a God. The album, released earlier this month, was inspired by true events that it seeks to lead listeners through in an auditory movie of sorts—so kind of like a soundtrack, but more so, counting 27 tracks clocking in together at around an hour.

A cursory Internet search couldn’t unearth the story we are told the album is based on; according to 061180, in the summer of 1973, “a small town in Louisiana was host to a string of grisly murders. Without a shred of evidence left at the scenes, much of the town’s population thought it was something sinister lurking in the forest. Authorities were horrified to discover the murders were the work of a blood thirsty cult.”

Disturbing at times—especially when distorted screams can be heard in the background—the album is just as dark and heavy as the story it is based on. Lovers of horror movies will no doubt appreciate the evocative, soundtrack-like feel of this release; I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that either parts of it or the entire thing is used in the future as a soundtrack for exactly that kind of movie.

John Parnell is the only artist that worked on it, taking care of every aspect. It is a simple album, not heavy on instrumentation, based mostly on a creepy, droning sound with various sounds evoking the story of grisly murders. From a howling wind to a cold, damp breeze; from gentle footsteps creeping up to obvious stomping of oncoming danger; from the idea of a ghost whispering in your ear to one holding you hostage—The Dream of a God will make you feel The Blair Witch Project or the creepiest of all The X-Files episodes, i.e. “Home”.

The sound engineering is spotless; no volume adjustment was ever needed while listening to the full-length. It makes for great—albeit eerie—background music to work to, and might even well suit a haunted house. More information about the artist is available on his official website, and his music can be streamed on Bandcamp.

Pictures provided by Independent Music Promotions.

About Sahar

Check Also

Ke Haber Cover

Interview: Nani Vazana, Ladino Songstress – Part One

Interview with Nani Vazana, Ladino songstress, who breathes new life into a beautiful and endangered language.