Dreadnaught - The American Standard. 2001 USA-New Hampshire

The band describes themselves as thus: "Over the course of over 17 years, half a dozen albums, and more metric shifts than you can shake a stick at, the ever-evolving DREADNAUGHT has carved out a musical niche unlike any other. This is because, very simply, we're totally and utterly deranged."

LOL. Well, it's probably not far from the truth - at least from a musical perspective. If there's one persistent theme amongst the two albums I've heard, it's that Dreadnaught has a strain of Americana in them. The type of Appalachia based music one might find in Central Pennsylvania or West Virginia*. I hear elements of a contemporary fusion band such as Boud Deun, as well as historical early 70s groups from the region like Bucknell University's own Fred. On "The American Standard", there's also a distinct modern Crimson influence, with its angular melodies, and dark textures.  The tag one reviewer applied to Dreadnaught - "King Crimson at a Hoedown" - is most apt for this album. A very interesting direction to take for a band from New Hampshire.

* - I've read a few reviews where they refer to this as "Southern". That's a different concept altogether, and far more common to hear. The American roots music that Dreadnaught have focused on is a different strain, and rarely heard in progressive rock.

Ownership: CD: 2001 Red Fez

6/14/14 (new entry)