Very rarely does a band come along capable of commanding stadiums while simultaneously taking listeners to a remarkably prayerful personal arena. Add in unbridled energy in either format, a lack of pretentiousness often punctuated with a cheeky sense of humor and a sonic pedigree that’s earned comparisons as diverse as U2, Switchfoot, Foo Fighters, plus a series of classic rock heavyweights, and Norway-based foursome Dreampilots are the sure fire cure for musical and spiritual complacency.
“We wanted simple, catchy and energetic music that would have humor and depth at the same time,” concurs Inge, before Oddi adds: “I remember us listening to a lot of White Stripes and Rolling Stones when writing for the record. We wanted music that hit us right in the face in an honest way, but it didn’t have to be perfect.”
While the guys are certainly modest in addressing non-existent imperfections, the results are nothing short of extraordinary. Between attention-commanding vocals, roaring riffs and a snarling rhythm section, Dreampilots are an ideal combination of aggression and melody, not to mention a batch of insanely infectious tunes throughout its American debut album Comedown. Beyond the astute musical musings, there’s a finely chiseled equilibrium of seeker-friendly grit and gospel-centered sensitivity in the vast lyrical spread that literally touches on all spectrums of human emotions.
“It’s about facing the real world and taking the fight head on- not the easy way out,” asserts Oddi of the theme that runs throughout the record. “We want to play great music that can change people’s lives and write songs that matter…We want to reach young and old and make a difference by singing from the heart and sing about the cross in an honest and truthful way.”
While this Red Hammer Records release is the first time stateside audiences are hearing the group, the foursome’s already found fame and fanfare in its homeland after cementing this nucleus in 2004, releasing the following year’s If You Ever Come Down and having fans pack out the record release show at the venue Valle Hovin (which has literally hosted every prominent rock band from the Stones on down). International touring followed at a rapid pace before embarking upon this American invasion, with this whirlwind travel schedule aptly reflecting the group’s moniker.
“It comes from our fascination for planes and flying, we like the word ‘dream,’ plus we want to pilot people to the Lord” explains Gulleiv, followed by Karl’s observations (who music lovers may also recognize for keeping beat in legendary Norwegian band a-ha, best known for the global smash “Take On Me”). “For me it reflects some off the mission in the band. We want people to fly away from daily life, both mentally and spiritually. When people are traveling, they are more open minded, and based on our stories, hopefully this can point people to God and their ultimate salvation.”
That very intention, coupled with widespread music industry buzz, is what attracted Red Hammer Records to its foreign find. In fact, the company was so excited about Dreampilots that an executive made the spacious trek to see the foursome perform on home turf.
“Darren Bowls from RHR got to hear us through another band at the same management company we shared,” Gulleiv maintains of the original connection. “He was checking them out and came across our band. Then he made contact and we played a gig in Oslo, Norway, which he came over to see us play.”
Besides being blown away with the overwhelming response, the band’s lyrics seem tailor made to today’s shifting society. Not only is Comedown a beacon of hope for those struggling throughout the world’s current stresses, but it also provides moments of tension relief through sheer rock n’ roll abandon and subsequent topical relatability.
“The lyrics describe a cold and lost world with a lot of confusion and temptation,” observes Inge. “Other themes are religious pride, struggling relationships, bad leaders and self-doubt. But through it all, there is a bright light that keep us from sounding depressing…Our music may just be rock and pop, but it’s very powerful. We feel like it’s a gift to communicate with people through the record and live, which seems to mean even more these days than ever before. We want to touch American people with our songs, uplift them and bring salvation into their lives.”
Considering the group’s rise from local favorites to an internationally anticipated act, Dreampilots have certainly come a long way from its upstart overseas. And the fact that members survived the growing pains often associated with pursing such lofty goals is an inspiring example to anyone who feels like they’re about to go down for the count.
“A challenging period in the economical department almost ruined the band after making some wrong decisions, and in tough times, sometimes we think leaving the situation will solve the problem,” reflects Oddi. “But leaving is the cheapest drug you can get on the street today and sticking with it is the only action that’s going to get you another step closer to achieving that dream. Here we are on the brink of releasing this album growing together in a garden called ‘teamwork’ and feeling a passion for the music and for each other that’s stronger than we’ve ever felt before.”
