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DREADNAUGHT ::
THE AMERICAN
STANDARD
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Band/Artist:
Dreadnaught
Title:
The American Standard
Release Date:
2001
Label:
Red Fez Records
Total Time
55:16
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Track List:
1. Ballbuster
Deus Ex Machina
2. The
Jesters Theme
3. Deneb
4. Tournament
5. Derby Days
6. Popeye Tournament
7. Bunnaschidt
8. James Thresher Industries
9. Welding
10. Kim Philby
The Pumphaus Suite
11. The Rats and Me
12. Swing
13. Clownhead |
MUSICIANS
Richard R. Habib
Drums |
Justin S. Walton
Guitar |
Robert M. Lord
Bass Guitar |
DREADNAUGHT :: The American Standard
"Dreadnaught" is the fifth release on Red Fez Records for this trio of artists out
of New England. They stylize their music as "progabilly" and indeed you can here
indications of a bluegrass/country feeling and meter throughout the album. At times
you can even here a little "two step" and some "chicken picken" on the lead guitar.
It provides an interesting
counterpoint to the otherwise aggressive, tonal, fast changing, and rudiment
oriented offerings on this album.
Say what you will about this album, it defies easy classification. Perhaps
progabilly is about right. The songs are clipped a little harshly with fast tempos
from the aptly titled first cut "Ballbuster" to the end of the album. Influences
abound! Styles appear for a moment and then disappear, as the band does not seem to
like to continue any progression for more than about twenty seconds before changing
tempo and style. This is all the more amazing as it mostly works. If you listen
closely, you can here metal
grindings, swing melodies, a little country, a little rock, and a touch of classical
all in one song. This smoothly changes from one to the other, about every twenty
seconds. Interestingly enough, the limited vocals sections remind me very much of
Emerson Lake and Palmer. This is mostly throughout the selections where they can be
found and particularly within my favorite section "The Pamphaus Suite".
Over all, the album hits off well, and for all the gymnastics works pretty well
also. This album has lots of energy and wouldn't be out of place at a good party. My
guess is if this description appeals to you, this album would most likely grow on
you. I certainly
appreciated it more the second time around.
The band is a three-peice set up with Justin Walton and Robert Lord doing extra duty
on keyboards. All three band members sing and play the kazoo. Kazoo is, after all, a
team sport and could not be out of place on an album with this many stylings.
Soloing is almost nonexistent here as the pace and change is too quick. Being a
three- piece band, the bass player is a dominating force providing prominent and
competent foundation to the tracks. Bass fans will enjoy his work. It is not flashy,
but it definitely shows you
how a bass player is the beating heart of a band. The lead guitar of Justin Walton
is also not flashy, but steady and shows a lot of musical diversity. Richard Habib
provides steady beat keeping and unless I miss my guess, he uses a nice thick
Zildjian ride cymbal. Sounds good to me!
Dreadnaught is a solid fifth album from a three-piece band, and it will play well to
those who like changes and rudiments over melodies. The recording job is okay if a
little bass heavy. I kept turning down my sub woofer, which is kind of unusual for
me. Maybe I'm getting old. Either way, a different sound from a place I wouldn't
have expected it from!
Reviewer: Steven Mynaugh
Review Date: 4-24-2002
Rating: 8 keyboards
Visit the artist website
Dreadnaught
Additional Information
Cover Art: "Flagface" By Tim Hildebrandt
Discography:
The American Standard
2001
Una Vez Mas 2000
Actual Size 1999
Dreadnaught 1998
Brinkman 1997
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