Funus is the solo project helmed by Dutch multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Ruben Vermeulen. Blending sounds of shoegaze, doom, and post-metal, Funus offers dark, atmospheric textures rooted in introspection and personal reflection. The new album, Dreamless Water, is a nine-track release featuring ’90s-inspired production, introspective lyrics, and crushing walls of guitar.
“This album is directly inspired by an authentic story from life’s rock bottom,” Ruben says. “The vastness and reflection of the ocean make a perfect symbol for anything. Even for one’s hardest struggles in stead of dreams. I wanted to create a tone that sounds like a lonely walk in a desolate, rainy street, where faint street lights offer the smallest amount of rest you can’t manage to find for yourself. The basic fundament of the album comes straight from the heart that has lived through it all, so this time I wanted to arrange all of the vocals, instruments and production myself.”
The album kicks off with its title track, “Dreamless Water,” a dreamy and atmospheric introduction to the release. It’s melancholic yet hopeful,ebbing and flowing beautifully. Around the three-minute mark, the song shifts into a heavier shoegaze sound, making it a fantastic opener that leads seamlessly into “Still Circling Downwards.” That momentum continues with moody, engaging instrumentation and soft vocals that provide the perfect balance.
The energy rises slightly with “Between Future and Shadows,” highlighting standout melodies alongside infectious riffs and choruses. From there, “Caged Liberty” is cinematic the way it builds and morphs. It’s a surprising standout for me, as I tend to focus a lot on vocals, but even with minimal vocals this song was so well done that they weren’t missed in the slightest.
“Hum of Nothing” has a moody, almost wistful feel, while remaining firmly in the heavy shoegaze sound. Nearing eight minutes, it’s the longest song on the album, but one well worth a focused, full listen. It feels like a full story arc within one song. With its pared-down and minimalist start, “Neon Loneliness” grows in depth and intensity, making it the perfect instrumental bridge between the previous and next song.
Leaning further into a post-metal sound, “Fractured Calm” feels like the climax of the album’s full story. The guitar work is exceptional, while the drums punctuate each movement with undeniable impact. “Where The Heart Sleeps” is more of a spoken word piece; an interlude before the album’s conclusion.
A perfect culmination of the album in its entirety, “Across The Bridge of Echoes” manages to tap into each of the styles and sounds throughout the release to close it out and end the collection in a satisfying and fitting way.
Overall, Dreamless Water is a hugely atmospheric album. It has the perfect dreamy yet dark soundscapes that move easily into heavier post-metal and shoegaze sounds, with a simultaneous nod to the ’90s and a modern touch. For fans of physical media, the album is available on 12″ vinyl and 6-panel CD, both of which are available on Bandcamp: funusbandofficial.bandcamp.com/album/dreamless-water.
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Spotify / YouTube / Bandcamp
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