Review & photos by Rachel Jablonski
As I made the special trip to Omaha, I had no idea what to expect. I had not previously heard the band I was exclusively on my way to see, but I was anxious to check out the new project from bassist Keith Thompson, formerly of the now defunct band .click. Cited in a recent issue of AP magazine to be one of the top100 new bands, Los Angeles based Bleed the Dream had unexpectedly caught my attention. With no expectations I ventured to the show awaiting the many unforeseen possibilities.
Bleed the Dream. I cannot think of a more appropriate name for the band. Traveling alongside the Warped Tour in 2003 with the intention of spreading word of their band, their purpose, and their music, Bleed the Dream have proven they are dedicated to fulfilling their musical dreams. Freshly off a tour with Pennywise, I had the chance to see the band at the Ranch Bowl in Omaha, Nebraska with punk bands Stretch Armstrong and Guttermouth.
Having been on tour for seven weeks straight, a fatigued Bleed the Dream stepped on stage without showing an ounce of lethargy. Vocalist Brandon Thomas sang and screamed his heart out overtop a rather tight sounding musical backdrop. The Omaha audience respectfully received the heavy notions mixed with punk foundations. As the night progressed, the end result was clear. Bleed the Dream had ultimately produced the best musical vibrancy of the evening. With a CD in hand, I left the venue anxiously awaiting a moment to sit down and hear the music on disc. You can be sure an album review is soon to come.