Dredg
The Catalyst, Santa Cruz CA
May 21, 2009
★★★★★
Dredg = what happens when a local band sounds good
The indie scene has been going strong for a while now, pushing itself into the mainstream. Now that every white suburban kid in America associates themselves with an indie band, it is safe to say that the music has suffered a bit. My faith in all that is indie began to decline as music magazines began to flood with bands attempting to out-hipster each other.
That night at the Catalyst Dredg restored my faith and reminded me that an indie band can be extremely musical in their performance while still rocking my face off. Though not always an indie band since their previous albums were released off Interscope, the band has always retained that DIY quality popular among similar groups.
Beginning their show with "Ode to the Sun" from their last album Catch Without Arms, Dredg brought the intensity from the start. With a new album coming out 6/9/09 on their own independent label, the band was eager to test its new material in front of a youthful crowd who remember the days when they were still pasting posters all over Los Gatos for their upcoming local shows. Singer Gavin Hayes showed no reserve when belting out the bold melodies with a purity of tone equal to that on the record. Dredg left the gimmicks at home. Even amidst mic problems happening mid-show, Hayes kept his composure and made it feel normal. They brought up the violinist and cellist of the opening act Judgement Day to add brilliant string parts to the ensemble sound.
Being a music snob, I tend hate on bands that think the bass is the instrument you give to the friend that can't play an instrument when you and your buddies want to start a group. But even the bassist Drew Roulette proved fun to watch as he glided back and forth between complex bass lines and catchy keyboard riffs. Again, Dredg left me unable to think of a witty backhanded comment to say as I left the Catalyst feeling less like a critic, and more like a fan.
-Dave Creel
The Catalyst, Santa Cruz CA
May 21, 2009
★★★★★
Dredg = what happens when a local band sounds good
The indie scene has been going strong for a while now, pushing itself into the mainstream. Now that every white suburban kid in America associates themselves with an indie band, it is safe to say that the music has suffered a bit. My faith in all that is indie began to decline as music magazines began to flood with bands attempting to out-hipster each other.
That night at the Catalyst Dredg restored my faith and reminded me that an indie band can be extremely musical in their performance while still rocking my face off. Though not always an indie band since their previous albums were released off Interscope, the band has always retained that DIY quality popular among similar groups.
Beginning their show with "Ode to the Sun" from their last album Catch Without Arms, Dredg brought the intensity from the start. With a new album coming out 6/9/09 on their own independent label, the band was eager to test its new material in front of a youthful crowd who remember the days when they were still pasting posters all over Los Gatos for their upcoming local shows. Singer Gavin Hayes showed no reserve when belting out the bold melodies with a purity of tone equal to that on the record. Dredg left the gimmicks at home. Even amidst mic problems happening mid-show, Hayes kept his composure and made it feel normal. They brought up the violinist and cellist of the opening act Judgement Day to add brilliant string parts to the ensemble sound.
Being a music snob, I tend hate on bands that think the bass is the instrument you give to the friend that can't play an instrument when you and your buddies want to start a group. But even the bassist Drew Roulette proved fun to watch as he glided back and forth between complex bass lines and catchy keyboard riffs. Again, Dredg left me unable to think of a witty backhanded comment to say as I left the Catalyst feeling less like a critic, and more like a fan.
-Dave Creel
