Dredg is one of those bands that are so entertaining to watch live. I was lucky enough to watch them at Coachella a couple of years ago and I can attest to this. They are an amazing live band. So when I got “Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy” I was pretty excited. This is the 5^th studio album for the Los Gatos, Cali natives and the first in nearly 2 years which was produced by Dan the Automator. Dan’s touch is clear throughout this album.

When I started the album I was immediately struck by the backbeat to “Another Tribe.” Gavin’s rock opera-like voice hits you right in the gut and doesn’t let go the entire album. His haunting, yet melodic voice, resonates throughout the entire album which plays out like a network drama. Gavin himself has called this album a “Dark Pop” which is pretty accurate.

The first single from the album is “The Thought of Losing You” which is definitely “radio friendly” and takes you through Dredg’s roots.

Some other tracks I liked included “Sun Goes Down”, “Down Without A Fight”, and “The Tent.” If you’re looking for this to be Dredg’s best album ever, you might be disappointed. However, I thought it was one of the most thought provoking albums to date. It’s not their best but it’s close. Their music style has matured by leaps and bounds and it had me at the first track.  -JC

Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy will be released in the U.S. on Tuesday May 3, 2011 on Superball Music.