Something in the ache of Kelsie Kimberlin that I just get in Dream of Peace is that it is not only hopeful but it is a kind of prayer, something someone is whispering a prayer you did not necessarily need to know. Kelsie is American-Ukrainian, and you can sense her pouring all of her heritage in this song. No effects or filters to her voice, just plain honest and clear belief. It had to get my attention and listen, and reflect on everything she has experienced, singing in choirs as a child, collaborating with Grammy-nominated producers, and how all that is brought to life in this single song.
You are struck at once by the melody, cheerful and clingy as it is best, as a squall of sunshine shining through dark clouds. It will make you want to dance, though your eyes are a bit wet. The bass and electric drums continue this simple, steady beat--something you can not but swing to--but the keyboards bring these fluttering layers on which you cannot help feeling good. It was recorded by Yuriy Shepeta of Ukraine, as well as Pedro Vengoechea and others; and you may listen to the way they constructed it so carefully, this warm sound that wraps round you and raises you higher.
However, the harmonies were what got me. These overlaid voices are so filled with this entire choir sound and it is as though it were a complete group of people, standing there together singing. One also discusses the lyrics of peace and love and actually doing something to make it better but it is not preachy at all but it is just extremely insistent like a friend reminding you what you are supposed to do. I listened to it one quiet evening with my eyes closed and it reminded me of all these memories people I have lost touch with, dreams I have kept and somehow it made all that personal stuff even bigger, something we all share.
The video was shot in Kyiv, literally on the spot with sirens of air raids in the background. It passes through these depressing lifeless scenes to these beautiful sunflower fields, with their color, as the song itself, this passage through the darkness to the light. It is how Kelsie shows her stand with Ukraine and you can feel that rebellion and affection in each frame.
This isn't just a pop song. It's a lifeline. It is hope with music and it is done so well--catchy and meaningful both. I ended listening and was humming it, with less weight on my shoulders, and the sense that perhaps the voice of one person can actually create something. Kelsie helps us to remember that peace is not something far away--it begins with the dream that we are courageous enough to live in at the moment.
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