Dredg - The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion Review

Posted by Matt Shoemaker on 06.14.2009

Dredg returns with their fourth studio album, which features an unusual title, and some very impressive musicianship. But are instruments alone enough to save this album from mediocrity, or does the band have what it takes to put out yet another critically acclaimed record?

The Band
Gavin Hayes- Guitar, Vocals
Drew Roulette- Bass, Synth
Mark Engles- Guitar
Dino Campanella- Drums, Piano, Organ

The Album


The Songs
1. "Pariah" 4:07
2. "Drunk Slide" 1:27
3. "Ireland" 3:41
4. "Stamp of Origin: Pessimistic" 0:50
5. "Lightswitch" 3:30
6. "Gathering Pebbles" 4:59
7. "Information" 5:45
8. "Stamp of Origin: Ocean Meets Bay" 0:30
9. "Saviour" 3:56
10. "R U O K?" 2:12
11. "I Don't Know" 3:45
12. "Mourning This Morning" 5:41
13. "Stamp of Origin: Take a Look Around" 0:58
14. "Long Days and Vague Clues" 1:52
15. "Cartoon Showroom" 4:18
16. "Quotes" 6:04
17. "Down to the Cellar" 3:41
18. "Stamp of Origin: Horizon" 2:20

Dredg is a very unique band, blending many different styles of rock to produce a very interesting, unique sound that really doesn’t fit under any other category. The most intriguing thing about Dredg is the seemingly dark undertones through most of the songs on this album, counterpointed by (usually) upbeat lyrics, or dueling moods between verses and choruses. While listening to this album, it creates an element of suspense, so to speak, that makes the listener wonder whether or not those darker tones will be acted on.

A perfect example of this opens the album. “Pariah” starts out with a seemingly cheery piano melody, with children chanting over it, before snapping into a darker guitar riff. While the guitar riff does seem a little sinister on its own, it’s the continuation of the very simple, but very effective piano melody in the background that serves to make this song what it is. The same could be said for the second track, “Drunk Slide”. The bass notes seem like something out of an action movie, where the badass hero approaches the final battle. But there is a small section of notes from the synth underneath it that make it a bit more unsettling than it should be. It is because of elements like this that this album is unique, and even more to the point, that this album is great.

When not delving into darker tones, the band has a knack for passion, both through vocals and music. “Ireland” is a powerful semi-ballad, alternating between a powerful, emotional chorus, and a quieter, faster verse. The transition between each part of the song is a little bit jarring, as, even thogh the song keeps it’s pace, for the most part, throughout the entire song, there are very sharp rests in the music that transition between sections. Hayes’ lyrics and delivery are powerful, leaving enough room to interpret them as either a personal journey, or a relationship between two people.

Where is your intrigue and interest?
You don't have any questions or wonder
Why would I leave this place
When I'm comfortable right here?
Everything I need and more isn't far, it's near

I'll never leave this place,
No I'll never leave this place,
I'll never leave the place
where I was born.
Because beyond these town limits
even though I've never seen 'em,
There's really nothing else to explore
There's nothing more...

“Light Switch”, which is one of my personal favorites on the album, builds from an organ section to an awesome, guitar riff, which comes across as a bit simple, but very catchy and ominous, almost as if it’s building to something more. Hayes’ vocals echoing in the background work perfectly in that they don’t dominate the verse, but they’re still strong, in terms of the rest of the song. Both musically and lyrically, this is one of the most touching, emotionally powerful songs of the album.

Other highlights of the “Mourning This Morning”, which is a mellower, funk inspired song. It is also incredibly catchy, between the guitar riffs and the dance beat on the drums. The strings blend perfectly into the verse, accenting the guitars quite well. “Saviour” is also a very fun track, with a musical sound akin to something very familiar to me, but I can’t put my finger on it. However, the lyrics belie the music, to an extent. Like I mentioned before, the band does an excellent job of blending light and dark, and this is another example of it. The lyrics, while not necessarily dark in terms of content, are delivered with such a brooding tone that it almost makes the listener choose between the music and the vocals

My biggest complaint in regards to the album is that despite genuinely solid musicianship on all parts from the band, some songs seem recycled or very cookie cutter. The “Stamp of Origin” tracks, which, up until the last track, basically serve as small interludes, seem a bit unnecessary, and would probably have served better as being merged into one track. “Information” comes off as a bit bland, despite a good effort to spice things up musically, making good use of the piano, as well as the lighter, more ambient tone.

The 411: This album marked the first time I had ever listened to Dredg, and I was very impressed. Aside from a few dull, seemingly uninspired songs, this album blends incredible instrumentation with powerful lyrics and very unique song styles for a very solid album. This definitely has me interested in checking out the rest of the band's catalog.

Final Score:  8.0   [ Very Good ]