DREDG
"Catch
Without Arms" (Interscope; 2005)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
I'll give Dredg points for their experimental courage, but, sadly, that doesn't save "Catch Without Arms" from being an almost complete and total bore.
Sounding at times like a bargain basement U2 and, during less energetic tunes, just morose and listless, "Catch Without Arms" never really lights up. There are moments of momentary brilliance; "The Tanbark is Hot Lava" is an interesting song and "Hung Over on a Tuesday" ain't half bad, but the rest of the CD is sabotaged by lifeless vocals, syrupy rhythms and robotic drums.
I guess there are those out there who this CD will appeal to (after all, this is the band's third CD) but I doubt readers of Rough Edge are amongst them.
For more information, check out www.dredg.com.
Reviewed by Snidermann
Dredg's second release, "El Cielo," is more of the same. Unfortunately, as you can tell from my review of their last album, below, more of the same isn't very much in my opinion. Yeah, the band writes intelligent, thoughtful lyrics but their music simply puts me to sleep. I'm not one of those guys who has to pummeled over the head with hard, heavy music (for example, I like Pink Floyd and, as mentioned below, Alan Parsons Project well enough) but Dredg just doesn't do anything for me. The music is slow and just plods along throughout the entire CD. In fact, this is one of the dullest releases I've heard in a long time.
Maybe it's just me - maybe Dredg just isn't my cup of tea. Maybe you'll find it riveting. Just don't come running to me if you don't.
For more information, check out http://www.dredg.com.
"Leitmotif"
(Interscope; 2001)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Dredg's "Leitmotif" is entertaining enough, but don't expect to be able to bang your head to it. It's smart, well-written and well-performed music but it's not hard rock or heavy metal. It reminds me more of the Alan Parsons Project. The good news is: I like the Alan Parsons Project.
Dredg's music is strange, slow and melodic. The songs are unusual sounding - almost like they would be more at home on a Broadway stage than on a rock CD.
Dredg is good for relaxing and not for rocking. That's not a bad thing - just know what you're getting into.
Dredg: Gavin Hayes (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin), Mark Engles (Guitars), Drew Roulette (Bass), and Dino Campanella (Drums, Piano).
For more information, check out http://www.dredg.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 04 Mar 2024 13:27:28 -0500.
