Dadamah, This is not a Dream (side A)

New Zealand's Dadamah released This is not a Dream in 1992—a CD of the same title but a different cover design (that's definitely more impressive but probably less appropriate), which compiled the band's entire output, followed a few years later.  Dadamah owed an obvious debt to the Velvet Underground, with simple, repetitive structures that still owe a debt to rock song form, deadpan vocals, and muffled drums.  This is not a Dream is far murkier than anything from the Velvet Underground, due in part to the low-budget nature of the home recordings and unimpressive mastering.  There are also vague references here to early-80s post-punk, in the guitar sounds, vocal style, and generally dark atmosphere.  The memorable melodies, abstract lyrics that are surprisingly engaging, and strong musicianship distinguish Dadamah from the many bands that borrowed from similar influences.