Billy Corgan: This Pumpkin stands alone

< Prev | 1 | 2

Interviews, performances

No, Mr. Springsteen, you're not in Ohio
Nov. 16: In today's News You Can't Use, Bruce Springsteen gets confused onstage.

Singer’s school fosters kids’ love of arts

Blushing Boss bungles concert location

Singing monk to quit metal band

Tim McGraw: 'Katrina really hit close to home'

dredg, “Catch without Arms”
“Catch without Arms,” the third album from this rock quartet, is rife with intoxicating, reverb-laden melody. The album is a bit less experimental and more accessible than previous efforts, yet it doesn’t sacrifice their progressive, highly original, artistic foundation.

The atmospheric vibe dredg emits is less dark and haunting than their previous album, “El Cielo,” was at times. This time around they focus on opposites. One such indication is the song “Hungover on a Tuesday,” a ballad about the struggle of alcoholism. Interestingly enough, the song is also one of the heavier tracks, in content and in delivery, with guitar distortion and tempo turned up.

Most of the songs otherwise challenge the listener in engaging acoustics, with bits of piano layered amongst a few tracks. Singer Gavin Hayes’ smooth crooning complements and highlights this intricate blend of instrumentation so well that his presence makes the material that much better. From sullen to surreal, his presentation amongst climatic moments is top notch.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

One of the bigger surprises of the album is the jazzy/lo-fi “Zebraskin.” This track replaces the guitars with a synth and a drum kit, a wildly intriguing combination for a rock band. “Jamais Vu” provides the best guitar riff of the entire album with its intricate electric acoustic arpeggio.

Overall, the album plays out like a psychedelic dream sequence. Fans of The Mars Volta, Pink Floyd, and Queens of the Stone Age are bound to fall in love with this album.
—Vincent Cherubino

< Prev | 1 | 2