Dredg – El Cielo (2002) [Reissue 2003] [SACD / Interscope Records – B0000798-36]

Title: Dredg – El Cielo (2002) [Reissue 2003]
Genre: Art Rock, Progressive Rock
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Dredg is one of those rare bands who truly cannot be categorized. Gavin Hayes’ vocals cascade like a waterfall over a sea of scratching Latin rhythms, dulcimers, guitars in odd time signatures, and prog rock-inspired drums. Hayes shares his penchant for Bulgarian chants in “Triangle” and “Same Ol’ Road.” “Whoa Is Me” could provide the soundtrack to all things haunted. Whether it’s a piano and strings or Cure-influenced (specifically the Cure’s “Fascination Street”) guitars, instruments fill the time between songs on El Cielo. They offer a respite from the monotony and the slow-fast-slow style of songwriting. In an odd moment at the end of “Whoa Is Me,” a soft-spoken public radio DJ speaks of a jazz number from 1944. The full-throttle rocker “It Only Took a Day” is one of the highlights. El Cielo is unlikely to become a hit on commercial radio, but perhaps Dredg could find their niche on college stations.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

Tracklist:

01. Brushstroke: Dcbtfoabaaposba
02. Same Ol’ Road
03. Sanzen
04. Brushstroke – New Heart Shadow
05. Triangle
06. Sorry But It’s Over
07. Convalescent
08. Brushstroke: Walk In The Park
09. Eighteen People Live In Harmony
10. Scissor Lock
11. Brushstroke (Reprise)
12. Of The Room
13. Brushstroke: An Elephant In The Delta Waves
14. It Only Took A Day
15. Whoa Is Me
16. The Canyon Behind Her

Personnel:

Gavin Hayes – vocals, guitar
Mark Engles – guitar
Drew Roulette – bass
Dino Campanella – drums

Note:

Produced by Ron Saint Germaine.

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