Narcotic Dreams 'Shattered'

Source: Aversionline
Last but certainly not least, the newest from the collective record label 804noise is the debut full-length and first proper release from Narcotic Dreams. "Shattered" contains nine tracks in a little under 50 minutes jam packed with relatively minimal dark ambient soundscapes built largely around spiraling wails and cascading ethereal textures that all have a rather tortured sensibility happening. As it should be, this effort marks a bit more of a cohesive affair than past recordings from the project, though not without a few distinct increases in volume and intensity – and the first several tracks actually slip past before you know it! I'd say this material is also a hint more subdued than Narcotic Dreams' live performances due to the apparent absence of vocal work (unless I'm mistaken), so it should be interesting to see how future recordings might more obviously document that aspect of his work. The curiously illustrated artwork remains relatively free of text, making for a nice little package at a mere $8ppd in the US. This is definitely an unfortunately unknown project that I'd hope to see get a little more attention in the future, as this is Narcotic Dreams' strongest document to date.

Source: Feast of Hate & Fear
I am somewhat jealous of the 804Noise community. I wish Miami had a noise collective. Actually, I wish this plastic city had any kind of music collective. I digress... as does this town. Anyhow, the folks in Virginia's 804 do quite a few projects, one being a record label. Their newest release is from fellow 804 area-coder, James McCrea who goes by the artist name, Narcotic Dreams. This is his fourth release, yet first legit CD (i.e. - not a CD-R) and I like what I hear. Nine tracks of guitar, bass and organ sonically morphed and electroclashed into quiet ambient soundscapes to harsh feedback bordering on power electronics. Very similar to 23 Skidoo before they went all funk and disco, or early Coil (when they constantly worked with Boyd Rice and David Tibet), and very much the type of album that makes the mind float and wander as you listen. I also thought the artwork adds to the release, with the musician's own sketches for the cover and back layout (McCrea's black and grey shouts Pushead). Not many can complain at a mere eight bucks - that's with postage included. Nice work. Damn you, 804! (Jan 7, 2006)

Source: Intuitivemusic
Narcotic Dreams is the project of the Richmond based musician James McCrea, who has processed electric guitar, bass and organ to come with this electro-acoustic dark ambient work. What does it sound like? This is a very nice work of atmospheric dark music made in an analog process which provides the whole work with a very realistic and pleasurable range of electro-acoustic sensations. Similar artists: David Toop, Scanner, Francisco López. Highlights: This album has been made with love and care and that's something that stands out. Recommendations: Everyone into minimal experimental music, specially those who may enjoy the world of dark atmospheres and intriguing nuances.