Album Review: Dadweed’s I Dreamt I Was Running
Man, if you’re into that raw, heartfelt indie rock vibe, Dadweed’s I Dreamt I Was Running is one of those albums that just sticks to your ribs. Released back in 2018 under Honey Pomelo Forever (cool label name, right?), this Canadian gem blends rock and alternative with a touch of something deeply personal. It feels like the kind of record you stumble upon on a rainy day and then can’t stop playing for weeks.
Let me tell you about two tracks that hit me square in the chest. First up, “Liberosis.” Holy crap, this song. It’s got this fuzzy guitar riff that just pulls you in, but it’s the lyrics that really gutted me. There’s something about how they talk about longing and disconnection—it’s messy and imperfect, like real life. I remember listening to it late at night, staring at my ceiling, thinking, “Yeah, this is exactly how it feels when you’re trying to reach someone but can’t quite get there.” The vocals are kinda uneven, but that’s what makes it feel so damn honest. Like, who needs perfection when you’ve got truth?
Then there’s “I Feel Like You Wrote This Just for Me.” Yeah, yeah, I know—the title’s a mouthful. But listen, this track? It’s one of those songs where you swear the artist peeked into your diary or something. The melody builds slowly, almost shyly, before exploding into this big, cathartic chorus. By the end, I was yelling along like nobody could hear me. It’s not overly polished, and maybe that’s why it works so well—it’s unapologetically human.
The rest of the album keeps the same energy. Tracks like “Soft” and “Bloom” have these dreamy undertones, while “Big Empty” hits harder, like a punch to the gut. Even though some songs blend together after a few listens, the emotional weight of the album never fades. It’s like Dadweed took all their baggage, dumped it out, and turned it into music.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t an album for everyone. If you’re looking for shiny production or radio-friendly hooks, you might bounce off it pretty quick. But if you want something that feels real, something that sounds like it came straight from someone’s soul, give I Dreamt I Was Running a shot.
You know what’s wild? Listening to this album made me realize how rare it is to find music that actually feels. Most stuff nowadays is either too slick or trying way too hard to be cool. Dadweed doesn’t care about any of that. They just make music that breathes, and honestly, we need more of that. Now excuse me while I go listen to “Liberosis” again… and probably cry a little.
