Press
“The first of the day’s eleventh-hour additions wove a web of molten gossamer over the hypnotised audience. Nottingham’s Dystopian Future Movies proved remarkably affecting. The stark, striking sound fell somewhere between Chelsea Wolfe, Mazzy Star and the similarly-comprised Ides of Gemini, and was utterly captivating.”
“Also epic was Dystopian Future Movies' debut EP which we raved about in this very column a little over a year ago, and their new release 'NYD' [8.5, self-released] maintains the highest level of quality. More atmospheric, but at the same time heavier, it features improved dynamics and just a tad more catchiness in Caroline Cawley's vocal melodies - in short the band is evolving, and that's great. How about a proper full-length now so everyone can go crazy about it and you guys can play Roadburn and shit?!”
“Dystopian Future Movies‘ drone-like sludge is juxtaposed with finesse against beautifully gentle arpeggios. Overlaid with ethereal vocals and underpinned by menacing, driving basslines, DFM deliver what appears to be an effortlessly captivating performance. The soft guitar and vocal pairing combined with the band’s masterful execution of quiet/ loud/ quiet dynamics can at times be reminiscent of early Deftones material, though their compositions inevitably prove much heavier, backed by some sublime double pedal work from drummer Bill Fisher throughout.”
“DFM stand on the shoulders of Slint, Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine, but they really are forging their own sound from these influences. Yes, there’s chiming melancholy guitar melody rubbing up against ear-smashing power riffs but ultimately, it’s all about the songs – something which many bands in this particular micro-cosm seem happy to ignore.”
“When your music's been compared to Neurosis, Chelsea Wolfe and Sonic Youth while being described as like My Bloody Valentine covering the music to 'Twin Peaks' it's difficult to ignore. But forget the comparisons and references. Nottingham trio Dystopian Future Movies are making a refreshing noise that's all of their own doing. And one that's incredibly distinctive too.”
“The first of two bands who were poached and added to the bill at the zero hour! Dystopian Future Movies had a strong sense of melodicism and played with the contrast between quiet and loud. Their songs often began calmly and grew in intensity and weight, in line with the Post Rock blueprints. Dystopian Future Movies brought some crushing riffs when they needed to, but being the middle of the day, I enjoyed the clean melodic parts equally as much. Frontwoman Caroline Cawley had a lovely, hushed clean vocal that I found really refreshing in a genre usually dominated by screaming males! Caroline brought a dreamy, ethereal vibe that channelled The Cocteau Twins. Whilst Dystopian Future Movies may not have had the same visual flourish as Vodun before them, they made up for it with atmosphere and tasty textures. 8/10.”
“I was extremely keen to see DFM, having listened to some of their material prior to the show. A slow, somber instrumental opener helps blast away any Sunday cobwebs. The audience watches on intensely, no talking over the songs, they are fully engrossed in the music. Such a powerful rhythm section with phenomenal drumming. Which really propels their sound, while the soft vocals contradict the pummel, creating a wonderful dynamic. They didn’t disappoint. Awesome band!”