Dream Life Misery
Los Angeles, California, United States
Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Dream Life Misery shows well-honed craftmanship, resulting from years of woodshedding. "The Enemy" from its "Closest Line Theory" CD, is ready for alternative radio with an arrangement building to a fervent, catchy chorus, and stops and starts that dramatically tell the story of a man willing to be the bad guy for a lover who needs to be a victim. Grungy lead singer and song-writer Doug Heffernan has a classic, edgy alt-rock voice and a charisma a band needs to compete on a bill with major label bands. His energy improves his material in concert and his rhythm guitar gives Dream Life Misery a full sound that can carry a large venue. DLM could be very close to breaking out with a little bit of help.
- Desert Today 10/29/04
This talented Southern Californian band was originally part of the line-up of a band called Three Penny Needle in the late 90's which got a record deal with New Millenium Records. However, early into their first tour their record label went bankrupt, and they had to cancel their tour. Instead of giving up and calling it quits, Doug Heffernan on guitar and vocals and Steve Giles on Bass decided to regroup with Tony Gray on Lead guitar,and Dan Nelles on Drums. The newly formed Dream Life Misery decided to record a record with producer Paul Calder, who filled in on guitar until the arrival of Gray. "Closest Line Theory" is the result of a lot of perseverence, along with a long 8 months in the studio. The result is a highly polished album with great melodies, lyrics, and....power !!! Imagine the Goo Goo Dolls with "balls". Heffernan has the good looks and stage presence of "Dolls" singer Johnny Rzeznik, and the pipes as well, but the band that backs him has much more grit, both instate and on the CD. There are genuine stories of relationships and the pain that can arise from failed ones ("The Enemy" and "To Say The Least"), and some of these heartbreak stories are driven home with an intense power ("Low" and "Out Of Nowhere"), the dolls could never match. The CD lessens in intensity as it proceeds to its end, but the first 5 songs are some of the strongest I've heard off a rock album in 2005. Dream Life Misery is THE rock act to watch for 2005. They have everything it takes - solid songwriting, a strong distinct sound, seasoned and talented musicianship, and the unusual result of capturing all that talent and energy in "Closest Line Theory". - The Works Magazine - Feb. '05
Dream Life Misery - Closest Line Theory
This hard-hitting California quartet has all the sparkle of an international group poised to level the playing field with heavy and introspective songwriting. Doug Heffernan (vocals/guitars) has amazing range and a unique voice that showcases songs that fit perfectly within the current landscape of hard rock music. Produced and engineered by Paul Calder and backed by Steve Giles (bass), Dan Nelles (drums), and Tony Gray (Guitar), this rich tapestry of songs blasts off with the visceral “Out of Nowhere,” then maintains the punch with “Disappear” and “Make It Rain.” The diamond here is “The Enemy,” a cut perfectly made for radio and catchy enough for the pop and hard rock crowd without losing its edge. Original and dynamic, this album is a must. (Kathy Utorka)
- Harder Beat Magazine - September '04
Dream Life Misery brings you nothing but pleasure for the ears on their new album. The band has a main influence from bands such as 3 Doors Down and a softer addition of Nickelback, but what Dream Life Misery are adding to their music is the rock & roller-coaster ride, where you are more likely to have the songs catching on to you as a wild fire on the loose, as there are balls if thunder and lightning rolling in this band. The production is above the normal standard from other unsigned bands out there. Songs worth to mention is the heavy opening track, Out Of Nowhere,The Enemy a true ballad, the pounding song Low and the song Make It Rain which is the most outstanding song on the album and a clear winner for being the first single of the album. The album can be purchased through www.cdbaby.com and it's a must have. - Lionspridemusic.com (Denmark)
Discography
LP-Closest Line Theory
singles-"Low", "The Enemy". Both are begining to receive airplay on various stations around the country including regular spins on M99.5 in Palm Springs.
Video- "Low". In the final stages of completion.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
DLM was formed from the ashes of another band in the late 90's. When songwriters Doug and Steve had their label collapse only two weeks into their first US tour, they regrouped and wrote a ton of music. From those sessions came the seeds of DLM, and with the addition of Dan on drums and then Tony on guitar they found the sound that would soon be the new band. They went into the studio in 2004 and emerged with their new record Closest Line Theory and have now launched an assault onto the rest of the world!
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