Dredg – Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy

Releasedate: 29-04-2011; Label: Universal Music
By: Nina Mende

Dredg is an American rock group formed in 1993 in Los Gatos, California. The band consists of vocalist Gavin Hayes, guitarist Mark Engles, bassist Drew Roulette and drummer Dino Campanella. Not unlike other rock groups, sometimes the members display self-created paintings in concert and on album sleeves. The band established themselves in the indie scene with their 1998 release of the concept album “Leitmotif”, landing them a deal with Interscope Records. Now their fourth full length studio album is released called “Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy”.

I have listened to this album so many times already and I am still trying to find the words. It is simply amazing. So much heart and soul is put into this album. The songs on “Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy” are heartwarming, inspiring, sheltering and so much more. The melodies definitely make you sway along at least, get stuck in your head and heart, and so do the lyrics. Especially “The Thought Of Losing You” is burnt into my mind and popping back up all the time. Such a beautiful song. But the rest of the songs is not any less beautiful. Already the first song sounds epic. Dredg is a brilliant band that knows how to write songs that will last. “Upon Returning” reminds a lot of the last album, reminds of songs like “Pariah”, but still not really comparable. This album takes a completely different level. Slow and faster songs as well as electro songs and rock songs are in a great mix on “Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy”. The album includes a lot of elements that reveal slowly with each time listening through. Also depending on your own mood, you will put more attention on different aspect each time. Simply brilliant. “Somebody Is Laughing” is a very catchy song that can cause completely different emotions in you. But one thing Dredg always manages to do with their new album: It gives you confidence! “Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy” is definitely one of the best albums that were released in 2011! No matter what style of music you like, as long as you like art and music itself, this album is a must have for you. Seriously!

Line-Up:
Gavin Hayes – vocals, slide guitar, guitar
Drew Roulette – bass, synthesizer
Mark Engles – guitar, backing vocals
Dino Campanella – drums, piano, organ

Tracklist: 01. Another Tribe 02. Upon Returning 03. The Tent 04. Somebody Is Laughing 05. Down Without A Fight 06. The Ornament 07. The Thought Of Losing You 08. Kalathat 09. Sun Goes Down 10. Where I`ll End Up 11. Before It Began

Links:
Dredg Official