Kevin Paul – Dream Catcher (Single Review)

Chicago-based musician returns with a standout track from his EP, Greatest Clicks. Not long ago, we took a look at the powerful wordless journey created by KP and his single “Big Blue Sky.” That single not only introduced me to the professionalism and exquisite touch of Kevin Paul but also demonstrated what decades of experience in the music industry should sound like.

Throughout his career, he has worked with many incredible artists from the States and Europe. As of now, the artist regularly performs at premier venues and festivals around the Midwest with the show band Generation. With his latest breakout being the new EP Greatest Clicks—which we will partially explore today—Kevin Paul proves he’s still innovating.

The EP includes 17 tracks that range from featureless, high-tempo songs to slower, more reflective cuts reminiscent of “Big Blue Sky.” However, today we will focus on “Dream Catcher,” which, in my opinion, is one of the biggest standouts from the record.

“Dream Catcher” is quite different from what I’ve seen from KP. It’s not as psychedelic or hypnotic, yet it is extremely textural and moody. The track introduces a set of keys—ones I can’t easily define—that lead the bouncy, groovy aesthetic and set the track’s overall sound.

Instead of a heavy, overpowering sound, Kevin Paul here aims to explore his music with a less melancholic and more brooding shift that feels expansive. The track not only demonstrates the progression you’d expect but also builds a particular momentum that finds a satisfying resolution in the end. It may not deliver the monumental impact of the previous track, but its elegance and slow-building charm make it worth listening to.

The main instrumental brings to mind electro-piano keys, giving you a smooth taste and feel from track to track. It isn’t a straightforward or direct look at rock, nor does it present a disorienting contrast; instead, the instrumentals feel intentionally powerful and assertive, adding hints of Kevin Paul’s character that I’ve noticed developing throughout his music.

As the name suggests, “Dream Catcher” possesses a playful yet delicate touch, representing those far-fetched dreams. Kevin’s musical interpretation suggests the incorporation of a hopeful sound—uplifting yet dynamic. That hope is reflected in the track’s resolution and the crescendo-driven effect established by the keys at the beginning.

On that note, I must say KP’s music is not only polished and heartwarming but also impressively diverse in its sounds and layers. “Dream Catcher” presents his music in a way that I haven’t seen before from him—a track that doesn’t need to be overly moving to have an impactful touch of somberness.

Score/Excellent: Overall, I feel that this track is on the same level as “Big Blue Sky.” While both operate on different wavelengths, the signature style of KP’s guitar is unmistakably recognizable and familiar. Once again, this is a wordless track that takes you on a singular journey, cementing Kevin Paul as a truly talented musician.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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