Left to RightDino Campanella (Drums), Mark Engles (Guitar), Gavin Hayes (Vocals/Slide Guitar), Drew Roulette (Bass)
For old dredg listeners, Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy will surely divide them into factions, as some will embrace this "dark pop" and others will yearn for the atmospheric and cutting edge band they used to know. And in a recent interview with the website Antiquiet, Gavin Hayes talked about how the band's approach to Chuckles was from a completely different mindset compared to their other albums that revolved around a concept:
And what we get is an interesting album where the influence of Dan the Automator, co-producer of the debut Gorillaz album, is apparent. Dan had a huge hand in this album, as he wrote songs and parts of tracks with the band, and the programmed drums are his most noticeable contribution.
We’ve been a band for well over a decade, we’ve put out an array of records... we’re always trying to push ourselves to do something different, and you know, the last thing I want to do was regurgitate a record. It just bores me as an artist and bores us as musicians (source).The man knows what he wants.
And what we get is an interesting album where the influence of Dan the Automator, co-producer of the debut Gorillaz album, is apparent. Dan had a huge hand in this album, as he wrote songs and parts of tracks with the band, and the programmed drums are his most noticeable contribution.
Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy Album CoverIt all starts off with an R&B infused alternative track called "Another Tribe," and the lyrics seem to set the tone for the rest of the album:
Luckily, "Upon Returning" kicks it up a notch with a harder and edgier song that is the most reminiscent of dredg's previous material with some punchy bass and bombastic guitar-work that is punctuated with the atmospheric and melodic synths. It's by far the best song on the album.
Skip ahead a bit, and "The Thought of Losing You" will throw ya for a loop. Dance synths, shouting choruses in the background, robotic drums, and a meandering vocal line doesn't really deliver in any area you want it to. I applaud they're efforts to change it up, but I can't agree on the result.
One of the highlights on Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy though is "Kalathat," a mainly acoustic track that breaks dredg down to it's core. With an ever-descending guitar line and the lyrics unfolding a narrative of a man that has become tired with the rat race of life, a subdued existential crisis with a powerful message in such a delicate song. The accent of the quietly wailing guitar helps to give the song a fuller body while emphasizing the lines Hayes sings. If you're going to listen to any track off this album, make it this one.
dredg's foray into a more mainstream production has its hits and misses, leaving the listener in a cloud of ambivalence of not being sure of what to make of it. Their vision of creating a more to-the-point record isn't something to automatically turn your nose up at, but it isn't what fans of the band have come to expect, which could be the point.
Also, there is Dan the Automator, who's total contribution is unknown, but he definitely made his mark, for better or for worse.
But, by taking a step back and seeing how they can expand their fan base with this record by attracting people who would've never even heard of them could make it all worthwhile. With their previous works, they seemed to sit on the fringes of many genres, making it hard for those that love to categorize - but with Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy, there is a more focused effort on keeping within the constructs of easily accessible tunes. Time will only tell which path dredg will take next.
Here we go, go again // Following all the trendsThis just hurts. One doesn't have to dig deep for meaning in those couple of lines, and I wish it wasn't true. The song passes by with only some memorable moments.
It's become an obsession // Yet it's time to accept it, yeah
Luckily, "Upon Returning" kicks it up a notch with a harder and edgier song that is the most reminiscent of dredg's previous material with some punchy bass and bombastic guitar-work that is punctuated with the atmospheric and melodic synths. It's by far the best song on the album.
Skip ahead a bit, and "The Thought of Losing You" will throw ya for a loop. Dance synths, shouting choruses in the background, robotic drums, and a meandering vocal line doesn't really deliver in any area you want it to. I applaud they're efforts to change it up, but I can't agree on the result.
One of the highlights on Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy though is "Kalathat," a mainly acoustic track that breaks dredg down to it's core. With an ever-descending guitar line and the lyrics unfolding a narrative of a man that has become tired with the rat race of life, a subdued existential crisis with a powerful message in such a delicate song. The accent of the quietly wailing guitar helps to give the song a fuller body while emphasizing the lines Hayes sings. If you're going to listen to any track off this album, make it this one.
dredg's foray into a more mainstream production has its hits and misses, leaving the listener in a cloud of ambivalence of not being sure of what to make of it. Their vision of creating a more to-the-point record isn't something to automatically turn your nose up at, but it isn't what fans of the band have come to expect, which could be the point.
Also, there is Dan the Automator, who's total contribution is unknown, but he definitely made his mark, for better or for worse.
But, by taking a step back and seeing how they can expand their fan base with this record by attracting people who would've never even heard of them could make it all worthwhile. With their previous works, they seemed to sit on the fringes of many genres, making it hard for those that love to categorize - but with Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy, there is a more focused effort on keeping within the constructs of easily accessible tunes. Time will only tell which path dredg will take next.
dredg will be touring the U.S. promoting their new album from now until the end of May, with the closest place to Columbus being at the Grog Shop in Cleveland on May 16th. Supporting acts are The Dear Hunter, Balance and Composure, and The Trophy Fire.
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