Dredg Up The Parish, the Parrot, The Delusion

According to the dictionary, dredge means to clear out; remove sand, silt, mud, etc., from the bottom of. With that kind of a definition one would think a band named Dredg would be a heavy, sludgy metal band with riffs that churn and grind, not one that has a strong pop sensibility and an actual sense of melody. As hard as it might be to believe, that's exactly what Dredg is all about. This is a band that clearly cannot be judged by its cover in any way shape or form and they refuse to be, their latest album, The Parish, The Parrot, The Delusionis a testament to their ability to throw listeners a curveball and create diverse intriguing music that's very, very good.

The Parish, The Parrot, The Delusion starts with a surprise choir of children singing and then enters a world of harmonious power chords that steer you in one direction before reversing course and taking you in the complete opposite direction. It's a neck breaking start and from there it's a roller coaster ride of metallic riffs, indie rock noise, funky undercurrents, massive melodies, and songs that are as mysterious as the cover art. From the huge, soaring, epic power of "Ireland," to the moody slowness of, "Information," The Parish, The Parrot, The Delusion is an intriguing album that never ceases to amaze.

Dredg have created an album with drama, a sense of hope, and beauty. The Parish, The Parrot, The Delusion is a moving record that never loses sight of it's songs and the power that they possess. These are tunes that lift you up and take you away to another world. It's epic stuff that will leave your head spinning simply because it's not at all what's expected. I have to admit, The Parish, The Parrot, The Delusion blew me away. The albums diversity and ability to change course at a seconds notice is awesome and I love the fact that this is one band that doesn't play the stereotype of being just another metal band. They are truly a band that's difficult to pin down and that's what makes them and The Parish, The Parrot, The Delusion such a fantastic listen.