Dredg - The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion

[Steve Henderson]

Dredg – The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion
Release Date: June 9, 2009
Record Label: Ohlone Recordings

They say that patience is a virtue, and few bands seem to understand that as well as Dredg. Coming four years after the release of the vastly underrated Catch Without Arms, The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion is an album that Dredg fans feared might never see the light of day. As the band teased listeners with an adept live album (but still a live album – who buys those anyway?) and over two years of announcements on the perpetually “upcoming” album, it seemed like the California foursome was simply stalling. And after countless cryptic videos of the crew noodling in the studio, and a smattering of release dates that never seemed to stick, expectations tended to remain within the realm of cautious optimism. Of course, Dredg had yet to release anything close to a bad album, but this sort of creative purgatory seemed to be reserved for burnout bands that write pop songs about high school love – not a group of poets who drafted a record inspired by a Dali painting. Thankfully, The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion is, in fact, real. And it is, in fact, a pretty mindblowing piece of work.

While a lot of music listeners wholeheartedly endorse Dredg, one of the toughest things about doing so is actually describing them to the unexposed. Any musical comparisons come up way short, since the band is one of the few truly unique acts around. I would best try to describe them as some unexpectedly perfect convergence of Muse, The Mars Volta, a handful of other progressive bands, but such comparisons end up being more of a vague disservice, despite their intent of accuracy. If you have never heard these guys before, just go in with an open mind and expect to be awed by Gavin Hayes’s barn-burning vocals and lush, sprawling instrumentation that makes these albums, especially The Pariah… sound more like film scores than traditional collections of disparate tunes.

While decidedly excellent in its own right, Catch Without Arms was probably Dredg’s most sonically straightforward release. Its thematic and concept elements were scaled back, while the group’s true potential for writing rock songs with a universal appeal came to the fore – for proof, see “Ode to the Sun” or “Bug Eyes” – tracks that can stand with the best of alternative radio’s staples. Now free from the shackles of a major label, Dredg now seem to embrace this liberation with a return to more eclectic territory. Bursting at the seams with 18 tracks, including some pretty diverse interludes, calling Pariah "epic" is more of an understatement than a cliché. Beginning with a children’s chorus and unfolding into a pretty huge rock number, “Pariah” leads the album off right, and leads into the eerie, atmospheric “Drunk Slide,” the disc’s first instrumental offering. These types of wordless cuts can seem unsatisfying and masturbatory in the wrong hands, but not here – they handily convey a sense of mood consistent with the overall vibe, and tie opposing songs together quite artfully.

Though Dredg may appeal to the more discerning listener’s sense of challenge, the band has an innate gift for traditional rock accessibility. On “Ireland,” Hayes belts out his lines to deliver a tangible sense of emotion that makes the entire thing swell with an overarching majesty. Similar transcendence is found on the groove-laden, gorgeous brilliance of “Gathering Pebbles” and the disarming tenderness of “Information,” where Hayes sounds like Bono in his prime, and the equally stunning “Mourning This Morning.” It’s not all soft, however, as Dredg skillfully flexes its rock muscle on the fuzzy “Saviour” and the blistering “I Don’t Know.”

Perhaps such diversity might seem alarming at first glance, with the potential to make a dreadfully scattered and fragmented record. The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion suffers no such fate. In fact, I have personally taken it out of my car’s CD changer except for long trips, since I do not want to listen to any less than the entire thing at once. It also bears mentioning that despite the fact that it is their first project without major-label backing, nothing about Pariah sounds lo-fi. In fact, it is one of the cleanest recordings so far this year, and definitely does the band and the project proper justice.

When you finish listening to The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion, you will likely feel a little overwhelmed and exhausted – expected considering the trip the record takes you on. One thing is for sure – you will surely want more. More spins of the album, future Dredg offerings, everything. While the band has been known to kid about its own demise, quality like this makes us all hope it never goes beyond idle conversation. After all, music needs more bands like Dredg.


Muse, The Mars Volta, The Dear Hunter, Nine Inch Nails, Coheed and Cambria

[Keagan Ilvonen]

A+ job Steve, this album is great. I can tell you really put a lot of effort into this and it easily shows.

[infamous_alias]

This is one of the better albums I've heard the past few years. Great review!

[newfoundmichael]

I'm glad people like this as much as I do. This is an awesome album.

[Steve Henderson]

I hope people buy this.

PS - vinyl fans should definitely grab this:
http://www.amazon.com/Pariah-Parrot-Delusion-Dredg/dp/B002767SP0/ref=ntt_mus_ep_wlb_oe_lp

[genericmadness]

I've got this sucker on preorder, but I grabbed the leak - this album really is phenomenal, it's a shame a lot of fans seem to hate it.

[Silentbob1]

Great review Steve. Music DOES need dredg, even if music doesn't realize it yet. Quotes-->Down to the Cellar-->Horizon is one of the best wind down's to a record in recent memory.

[zubinmoosa]

Fantastic review. Great album

[Steve Henderson]

I've got this sucker on preorder, but I grabbed the leak - this album really is phenomenal, it's a shame a lot of fans seem to hate it.
They do? Really? I would think fans would eat this up.

[BlackpoolLights]

Actually, from what I've seen, most of Dredg's fanbase adores this album and thinks it's their best yet.

One of the AOTYs. Amazing work.

[RonStoppable]

I hope people buy this.


Yes.

I can't wait to hear this.

[wall e]

Didn't like it as much as their previous work upon first listen, now I love it.

[heyozzie]

yea its pretty good. id put it at 75%. its no el cielo, thats for sure. that shit was gold. one of my favorite albums ever.

[Steve Henderson]

yea its pretty good. id put it at 75%. its no el cielo, thats for sure. that shit was gold. one of my favorite albums ever.
Personally, I like it a lot more than El Cielo or Leitmotif. I would say it is pretty easily their best work.

[live4music]

They do? Really? I would think fans would eat this up.
I hear people complaining about it being too poppy. The ONLY part of this album I have trouble with is the chorus on "Information" could literally have been an 80's song; otherwise, I think those naysayers are being close-minded b/c they want every Dredg record to sound the same. I can't think of one band that takes musical chances and evolves as much as them. I agree that it's nice to see them return to form with an 18 track opus full of their beautiful interludes.

BIG BIG props Steve for writing a wonderfully stellar review and finally gettin Dredg some love on this site.

As far as best album? Please... it's fuckin' Dredg. When you have two albums as vastly different as El Cielo and TPTPTD it's pretty much gonna boil down to "Would you prefer something poppy, yet modern and sophisticated? Or would you rather blaze one down and listen to the sound of India meets Muse?"

[live4music]

yea its pretty good. id put it at 75%. its no el cielo, thats for sure. that shit was gold. one of my favorite albums ever.
It IS my favorite album... easily

[myplasticyou]

i'm sure it's good, but el cielo will always be the absolute best.

[NateFoundGlory]

Oh man I cannot wait to get this. Sweet review.

[Gregory Robson]

Solid work brother man. This is a terrific album. Truly terrific.
Thanks for doing it justice. Cheers!

[deebs823]

amazing review for an unbelievably amazing album...

[topher465]

I am broken hearted that their tour with As Tall As Lions isn't coming to Pittsburgh.

[sevinw0rds]

yes, yes, yes, yes, yes yes, and a final hell yes. This album is magic...like everything else in their discography. I thank Baby Jesus every day for Dredg.

[AlkalineAshes]

My album of the year. ive loved information for almost two years now and mourning the morning is equally amazing.

[suppyguppy]

They do? Really? I would think fans would eat this up.
I agree. I feel it's their best work for sure. The first time I heard the song "Quotes", it honestly put me in another dimension haha. Fantastic review man.

[wall e]

I can't get Ireland out of my head, and Long Days and Vague Clues is siiiiick

[heyozzie]

Personally, I like it a lot more than El Cielo or Leitmotif. I would say it is pretty easily their best work.
i'll give it another listen then steve. i liked the review and i see where everyone is coming from liking it so much, but there was something about el cielo that just really stuck with me. it was hard but soft. it was abstract but accessible, it was something i've never heard before. regardless of what album is best, these guys put on an insane live show, totally worth the money and time. with that being said, i'll give pariah another listen right now.

[tragedyco]

Great review. I think Pariah is the song of the year, incredible record.

[deezee]

Never heard of these guys, should I check it out?

[E5CAP3 ART15T]

for me, i dont really like comparing albums i just like to listen to all their songs and not pay attention to which album its from cuz it feels more magical that way. But i do believe The Pariah, The parrot... is not going to be their last album because that is easily the best album of the year and i cannot wait for their next one :D i just hope it comes sooner than 4 years.

[Steve Henderson]

Never heard of these guys, should I check it out?
What would the review have you think?

[Kid Defender]

Great disc. My favorite will probably always be Catch Without Arms, but this is a truly fantastic piece of music.

[Drew Beringer]

I hope people buy this.

PS - vinyl fans should definitely grab this:
http://www.amazon.com/Pariah-Parrot-Delusion-Dredg/dp/B002767SP0/ref=ntt_mus_ep_wlb_oe_lp
only 9.99 at Best Buy!

[barkingincision]

these guys are good but they don't sound a thing like the mars volta

[Nick Gerli]

They don't sound too much like The Dear Hunter either, however I think fans of these bands would be open to the style dredg has.

[Steve Henderson]

these guys are good but they don't sound a thing like the mars volta

They don't sound too much like The Dear Hunter either, however I think fans of these bands would be open to the style dredg has.
Exactly...they don't sound similar, but fans of the aforementioned would likely dig Dredg.

[deezee]

What would the review have you think?
Haha yes

I read the review.

I was just asking because some bands are hard to get into, if you haven't heard their previous work.

[vaguestcargo]

Great review (as always). I don't agree with you about the epic nature of this album (at least compared to El Cielo...I mean, c'mon) but I think it IS huge, IS a breath of fresh air in the music scene, and IS a brilliant album, albeit a bit poppier than I had hoped for. I enjoy it a ton more than CWA and definitely picked up the cd/vinyl package...w00t.

[Steve Henderson]

Haha yes

I read the review.

I was just asking because some bands are hard to get into, if you haven't heard their previous work.
I think this is pretty accessible stuff...I would recommend it to newcomers for sure.

[VIVALAMATT]

Great album. The review gave it justice.

[vaguestcargo]

I hear people complaining about it being too poppy. The ONLY part of this album I have trouble with is the chorus on "Information" could literally have been an 80's song; otherwise, I think those naysayers are being close-minded b/c they want every Dredg record to sound the same. I can't think of one band that takes musical chances and evolves as much as them. I agree that it's nice to see them return to form with an 18 track opus full of their beautiful interludes.

BIG BIG props Steve for writing a wonderfully stellar review and finally gettin Dredg some love on this site.

As far as best album? Please... it's fuckin' Dredg. When you have two albums as vastly different as El Cielo and TPTPTD it's pretty much gonna boil down to "Would you prefer something poppy, yet modern and sophisticated? Or would you rather blaze one down and listen to the sound of India meets Muse?"
I can't tell if you're bashing El Cielo in that last paragraph or if you're commenting on the diversity of their catalogue.

I am one of those "this is a bit poppier than I'd hoped" guys, but I still love the album and think it's better than damn near everything else out there right now. I think I just miss the less-structured songwriting from their first two releases. They got a bit verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus on CWA and continued it here, but it's still good...hella good...

[batmannj]

Fantastic review Steve. I love this record.

[barkingincision]

Exactly...they don't sound similar, but fans of the aforementioned would likely dig Dredg.
well yeah, that's what i'm saying
i'm a diehard tmv fan, but dredg isn't my cup of tea. i just don't think you can compare them that's all.

[genericmadness]

there are some pretty vocal h8ers on last.fm at the moment. but maybe they are greater in volume than number.

[genericmadness]

there are some pretty vocal h8ers on last.fm at the moment. but maybe they are greater in volume than number.
quote didn't work.

[fftsjason]

I hear people complaining about it being too poppy. The ONLY part of this album I have trouble with is the chorus on "Information" could literally have been an 80's song; otherwise, I think those naysayers are being close-minded b/c they want every Dredg record to sound the same. I can't think of one band that takes musical chances and evolves as much as them. I agree that it's nice to see them return to form with an 18 track opus full of their beautiful interludes.

BIG BIG props Steve for writing a wonderfully stellar review and finally gettin Dredg some love on this site.

As far as best album? Please... it's fuckin' Dredg. When you have two albums as vastly different as El Cielo and TPTPTD it's pretty much gonna boil down to "Would you prefer something poppy, yet modern and sophisticated? Or would you rather blaze one down and listen to the sound of India meets Muse?"
I don't think it's the fact that it's "too poppy" or anything like that. In fact, it's the opposite...poppy to me would imply catchy choruses that really stuck with me. I love everything Dredg has ever done (minus the old Orph EP and their old rap-rock stuff), and with that said I just can't get into this one. I like it, and have listened to it from beginning to end quite a few times...but it just doesn't evoke the emotion that El Cielo or even most of Catch Without Arms did (or Leitmotif for that matter). Although this is a good record, with a lot of good stuff, I just don't "feel" it like I have all of their previous works. Maybe it's because I'm at a different place in my life, who knows. Maybe it isn't in the stars that I will fall in love with this album. Regardless of the reason, I am dissapointed...not in Dredg or their direction or the album they have created, but in what I feel when I listen to the album...which is mostly, well...nothing. They will remain in my top all time favorite bands though, no matter what.

[BON]

one of the best albums ive heard in a long time.

[live4music]

I can't tell if you're bashing El Cielo in that last paragraph or if you're commenting on the diversity of their catalogue.

I am one of those "this is a bit poppier than I'd hoped" guys, but I still love the album and think it's better than damn near everything else out there right now. I think I just miss the less-structured songwriting from their first two releases. They got a bit verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus on CWA and continued it here, but it's still good...hella good...
El Cielo is my favorite album of all time. I said Muse b/c of how well they integrate piano with some truly rockin songs and India b/c that's the "place I hear" when I listen to the album.

I don't think it's the fact that it's "too poppy" or anything like that. In fact, it's the opposite...poppy to me would imply catchy choruses that really stuck with me. I love everything Dredg has ever done (minus the old Orph EP and their old rap-rock stuff), and with that said I just can't get into this one. I like it, and have listened to it from beginning to end quite a few times...but it just doesn't evoke the emotion that El Cielo or even most of Catch Without Arms did (or Leitmotif for that matter). Although this is a good record, with a lot of good stuff, I just don't "feel" it like I have all of their previous works. Maybe it's because I'm at a different place in my life, who knows. Maybe it isn't in the stars that I will fall in love with this album. Regardless of the reason, I am dissapointed...not in Dredg or their direction or the album they have created, but in what I feel when I listen to the album...which is mostly, well...nothing. They will remain in my top all time favorite bands though, no matter what.
See that shocks me. I'm not hating, to each their own. But it blows my mind that you feel that way. Keep up the Dredg love!

[live4music]

Show some love to my review of El Cielo

http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=678322

[Steve Henderson]

Show some love to my review of El Cielo

http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=678322
Self-promotion forum.

I kid, I kid. :)

[Romancebled]

just bought this album yesterday. so epic. definitely in my top 10 of 2009 right now.

[Steve Henderson]

just bought this album yesterday. so epic. definitely in my top 10 of 2009 right now.
What's your top 10 so far?

[Romancebled]

What's your top 10 so far?

It's still sorta early, but as of right now, I would say (in no exact order):

As Cities Burn, Dredg, Grizzly Bear, Phoenix, Manchester Orchestra, Closure In Moscow, Paper Route, Passion Pit, Phoenix, Maria Taylor

[Here It Goes]

I can't get into this guy's vocals. He always seems like he's playing it ridiculously safe, even though he's probably got better vocals than most. Some of the rhyming on these songs ("Information", for example) is absolutely RETARDEDLY dumb. Badly written lyrics, I think.

[Steve Henderson]

It's still sorta early, but as of right now, I would say (in no exact order):

As Cities Burn, Dredg, Grizzly Bear, Phoenix, Manchester Orchestra, Closure In Moscow, Paper Route, Passion Pit, Phoenix, Maria Taylor
Wow, pretty similar.

[live4music]

Self-promotion forum.

I kid, I kid. :)
After I give you props on yours?... weeeeeak

[E5CAP3 ART15T]

I can't get into this guy's vocals. He always seems like he's playing it ridiculously safe, even though he's probably got better vocals than most. Some of the rhyming on these songs ("Information", for example) is absolutely RETARDEDLY dumb. Badly written lyrics, I think.
Your impression or the way you interpret his lyrics might be dumb, i mean c'mon how do you say he's playing it ridiculously safe and at the same time you say he probably has better vocals than most. I'll tell you right now that lots of "good" singers can't go where Gavin can go with his vocals and their rhythm is better than the same rhyme scheme you hear on most music. I mean its clear that your are not a fan of Dredg and/or good music and you were attempting to jump on the bandwagon but failed miserably cuz your brain can't tell you whats good and whats bad, but hey whatever floats your boat tootz.

[chisel]

Glad to see the love for dredg here. Long overdue. But this isn't their first without major label backing. They also made Leitmotif themselves (in 10 days!).

[Poochemist]

Excellent review of an excellent album. In my first spin, I knew that I was listening to something special. And the album keeps growing on me.

[FormerClarity]

Yeah I found this album to be surprisingly good. Never liked them before.

[Here It Goes]

Your impression or the way you interpret his lyrics might be dumb, i mean c'mon how do you say he's playing it ridiculously safe and at the same time you say he probably has better vocals than most. I'll tell you right now that lots of "good" singers can't go where Gavin can go with his vocals and their rhythm is better than the same rhyme scheme you hear on most music. I mean its clear that your are not a fan of Dredg and/or good music and you were attempting to jump on the bandwagon but failed miserably cuz your brain can't tell you whats good and whats bad, but hey whatever floats your boat tootz.
Yeah, sweet post bro.

It sounds like he has great vocals, but tones them down for whatever reason (to fit the music, I'm assuming), which is unfortunate. His voice comes across as very bland to me.

I do like a few songs by Dredg, but wouldn't consider myself a fan. But I guess I must be jumping on the bandwagon, but failing, because my brain can't tell whats good and bad?

[BlackpoolLights]

What's your top 10 so far?
I know this wasn't directed at me, but I've listened to hundreds of albums and EPs that have come out this year, and here are some of my top ones so far. Almost half the year gone. I'm not even gonna try organizing them:

Dredg - The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion
Eels - Hombre Lobo
Blue October - Approaching Normal
Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
Lucky Boys Confusion - Closing Arguments
Paper Route - Absence
mewithoutYou - It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All A Dream! It's Alright
Hurt - Welcome To The Machine
Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything To Nothing
A Love Like Pi - Atlas And The Oyster
The Decemberists - The Hazards Of Love
Plushgun - Pins And Panzers

EDIT: oh, and this is 2008, but I just found it: Miniature Tigers - Tell It To The Volcano is simply amazing.

[Steve Henderson]

After I give you props on yours?... weeeeeak
Kidding, my man! Simmer down :)

[Vismund_Cygnus]

Awesome review!

One of my favorite albums of the year.

[InBetweenAisles]

So amazing

[CstrzRock]

I love this album.

[RetardedInLove]

So I have never actually listened to this band before despite hearing how awesome they are from a lot of people. After reading this review I decided to check out the album and its great. Will definitely be buying this soon.

[Don'tBanMeBro]

You still fail Drew, read this review you 2nd rate reviewer.
http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30882

[Don'tBanMeBro]

You still fail Drew, read this review you 2nd rate reviewer.
http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30882

[Steve Henderson]

You still fail Drew, read this review you 2nd rate reviewer.
http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=30882
Drew didn't write this review, troll.

[Chris Fallon]

This album is just excellent.

So is this review.

Coincidence? I THINK NOT!

[Shatter_Glass]

really looking forward to this

[AlkalineAshes]

I know this wasn't directed at me, but I've listened to hundreds of albums and EPs that have come out this year, and here are some of my top ones so far. Almost half the year gone. I'm not even gonna try organizing them:

Dredg - The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion
Eels - Hombre Lobo
Blue October - Approaching Normal
Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
Lucky Boys Confusion - Closing Arguments
Paper Route - Absence
mewithoutYou - It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All A Dream! It's Alright
Hurt - Welcome To The Machine
Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything To Nothing
A Love Like Pi - Atlas And The Oyster
The Decemberists - The Hazards Of Love
Plushgun - Pins And Panzers

EDIT: oh, and this is 2008, but I just found it: Miniature Tigers - Tell It To The Volcano is simply amazing.
I didnt know there was new eels out damn

[BlackpoolLights]

I didnt know there was new eels out damn
Hell yeah. And it's amazing, too. As good or better than Shootenanny!

[raychull]

such a quality album.

[NateFoundGlory]

The new A Skylit Drive sold more in it's first week than Dredg. Sad, sad world...

[Toner]

Just saw them live two days on the trot in Cardiff and London. Been waiting to see them live for over 4 years and the wait was so worth it. They are mindblowing. I still can't get over how incredible Gavin's voice is live.

Bought 3 copies of the new album too :D One for me, the girlfriend and my mum. dredg is universal.

Setlist from tonight in London was:
The Canyon Behind Her
Stamp of Origin: Pessimistic
Saviour
Sang Real
Ode to the Sun
Same 'ol Road
Planting Seeds
Ireland
R U O K?
I Don't Know
Jamais Vu
Eighteen People Living in Harmony
Brushstroke: New Heart Shadow
Triangle
Light Switch
Pariah
Catch Without Arms
Bug Eyes
Down to the Cellar
Stamp of Origin: Horizon

Was a little bummed with the complete lack of material from Leitmotif, but then again I wouldn't not want them to play a single song from that setlist.

Buzzing. Still buzzing.

[Steve Henderson]

Just saw them live two days on the trot in Cardiff and London. Been waiting to see them live for over 4 years and the wait was so worth it. They are mindblowing. I still can't get over how incredible Gavin's voice is live.

Bought 3 copies of the new album too :D One for me, the girlfriend and my mum. dredg is universal.

Setlist from tonight in London was:
The Canyon Behind Her
Stamp of Origin: Pessimistic
Saviour
Sang Real
Ode to the Sun
Same 'ol Road
Planting Seeds
Ireland
R U O K?
I Don't Know
Jamais Vu
Eighteen People Living in Harmony
Brushstroke: New Heart Shadow
Triangle
Light Switch
Pariah
Catch Without Arms
Bug Eyes
Down to the Cellar
Stamp of Origin: Horizon

Was a little bummed with the complete lack of material from Leitmotif, but then again I wouldn't not want them to play a single song from that setlist.

Buzzing. Still buzzing.
That sounds pretty awesome.

[peder458]

i bought this album today on a whim, basically without hearing their music at all.... i only read this review. it is delightfully unique. spot-on review, THANK YOU FOR RECOMMENDING THIS TO US (ME)

[Steve Henderson]

i bought this album today on a whim, basically without hearing their music at all.... i only read this review. it is delightfully unique. spot-on review, THANK YOU FOR RECOMMENDING THIS TO US (ME)
Awesome - glad you dig it!

[RoxanaR]

great album!!!

[iam1bearcat]

goddamn, this is easily AOTY material right here.
for awhile my choices were gonna be between The Builders and The Butchers and Manchester Orchestra (and probably Brand New, duh haha) but now I have to add this Dredg release to that list.
absolutely mesmerizing

[kevinAIWW]

This album is sick. I've been waiting for like 2 years.

I remember I bought Lietmotif when it came out in 2000. And I've followed them since then. I've got it all. Dredg is nuts. and forever will be. To any dredgers, buy el cielo and lietmotif if you don't already have it. and you will not be disappoint to know where dredg has derived from.