Dredg - Chuckles And Mr. Squeezy review
| Band: | Dredg |
| Album: | Chuckles And Mr. Squeezy |
| Style: | Alternative metal, Progressive rock |
| Release date: | April 2011 |
01. Another Tribe
02. Upon Returning
03. The Tent
04. Somebody Is Laughing
05. Down Without A Fight
06. The Ornament
07. The Thought Of Losing You
08. Kalathat
09. Sun Goes Down
10. Where I'll End Up
11. Before It Began
"I've forgotten how to smile..."
Prior to release, updates about Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy progressively seemed more and more troublesome. There was the goofy title, the influence of producer Dan The Automator, and the description of the album having a "Dark Pop" sound. When it finally came time to listen, early judgments confirmed the worst. The band that had produced an art-rock masterpiece like El Cielo was nowhere to be found. The songs were very synthetic, slowly eating away at my insides like an ulcer with every poppy electronic noise. However, there was something intriguing about the songs that kept drawing me back for further listening. Within the apparent mediocrity were haunting melodies that wormed their way inside my ears and stayed there.
Looking back at the updates, the music sounds exactly as it was described, "Dark Pop". There were never claims that this was a continuation of some thematic element from a previous album. As stated: "this album is completely different from everything Dredg have ever done before." One cannot fault them for wanting to branch out musically. Even if it has entered a less desirable realm, they deserve credit for being honest about the change and standing behind their work.
Considering the fluctuation in my opinion about this album, I will simply not give a scale rating. I would recommend this to non-fans who enjoy inoffensive, catchy music in the alternative rock spectrum (Gorillaz, Beck, Fair to Midland). For fans of the band's prior work, I wouldn't recommend acknowledging this one unless you find the melodies worthwhile enough to stick around for repeat listens.
"Here we go, go again
Following all the trends
It's become an obsession
Yeah, it's time to accept it"
Guest review disclaimer:
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
Comments
Comments: 11
Visited by: 68 users
| Troy Killjoy perfunctionist Posts: 21306 From: Canada  |
I was wondering what you were going to review...nicely done, although I have absolutely no interest in the band. Just here to compliment the review. 
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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| Darkside Momo Retired Posts: 9087 From: France  |
Indeed, it was about time you wrote another one! 
---- My Author's Blog (in French)  "You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you" "I've lost too many years now I'm stealing back my soul I am awake"
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| Ag Fox Angel No More Posts: 4774 From: Hong Kong  |
I'm not too familiar with their back catalogue other then El Cielo, but yes, kinda poppy with a dark vibe. well done indeed
---- loves 小巫
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| BloodTears ANA-thema Posts: 11835 From: Portugal  |
I'm still yet to listen to this one, I guess the whole "negativism" towards it put me off. But who knows, I might even enjoy it. I know I'll give it a go at some point. Also, I never heard anything from this band, so not sure if it is the right place to start. Cheers for your review 
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| Mikyz Posts: 711 From: Lebanon  |
This album blows, it's a freaking shame. They gave Dan the Automator some space to work but ruined the album in return, this is boring.
---- Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone.
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| trenticle Posts: 6 From: USA  |
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| EmperorGonzo Account deleted |
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| BloodTears ANA-thema Posts: 11835 From: Portugal |
It's funny. I also have mixed feelings about this album, I guess it does that to people. I love a lot of songs in it and some others are just forgettable. "The Ornament" is my favourite song, but the album kinda dies after that one.
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| neonxaos Posts: 163 From: Denmark |
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| Introspekrieg Totemic Lust Posts: 2747 From: USA  |
Written by neonxaos on 12.10.2011 at 21:36 Yeah, looking back it was a stupid comparison. I really meant "music my girlfriend likes" I love Fair To Midland, but I have yet to meet a person who doesn't like them. With how good their music is, I can see why. (But I don't see how they would be considered post metal)
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| neonxaos Posts: 163 From: Denmark |
The post metal comment is mostly related to the latest album, but maybe I am the only one thinking that They do have things in common with Dredg, though, so mentioning them is perfectly fair. I just find their latest album very impressive, complex and layered, so I guess I got a little defensive there.
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