Dreadnaught is an American band that offers an original genre that combines Prog Rock and traditional Country music. Since 1998 they have released 6 albums, the latest of which “Northern Burner” was released on December 14, 2021 and contains 9 tracks. The album opens with “Pink Light” a pleasant intertwining of melodies with a massive organ, which ends with the entrance of the drum. Linking up with the previous “Pig & Pony” it is characterized by a mixture of more Rock and traditional sounds, with the unmistakable personal touch of the band. Time changes and elaborate plots in the second part increase its intensity, giving life to intricate and technical passages. “Rum Cake” is a short passage of just over 1 minutes from the more experimental sections. The longest track on the “Monsignor Bananas” album is a track that mixes harder strokes with more Fusion in the first part. Between continuous tempo changes and variations on the theme, it presents an intertwining of melodies and intricate passages that recall the most drawn tracks of Frank Zappa. “Fantasy in Pink Light” is another shorter passage, just over 2 minutes. A more ambient section of the album, with dilated melodies of keyboard and guitar that last for the duration of the song, full of effects. The ambient sounds continue in the background of “Sundown at the Barnyard” which develops however with a solid rhythmic session and a good mix between guitar and keyboard. Well crafted and ever changing it features good solo inserts and more Rock style theme developments with a killer bass line. “Parlor Tricks” is a track with modern sounds that are linked to more Funky parts of the bass and distorted guitar inserts. The drumming is at times electronic with programming, giving an original touch thanks to the effects used. Playing with the name of track 2 “Pony & Pig” it has traits closer to Fusion, with a massive use of keyboards and guitar solos that follow one another. The rhythm alternates slower and accelerated passages with melodies that are intricate and very technical, a good track that enhances the skill of the musicians. The album closes with “Throwing in the Towel” a short but original passage full of energy, with an engaging rhythm and elaborate plots, short but very intense. A particular sound that enhances the technique of the band’s musicians, between elaborate passages and long instrumental sections. With less traditional music influences than previous listenings, but with a solid and engaging sound it is another good chapter in the band’s discography. A recommended listening for lovers of the more instrumental sounds of Prog, with their personal style this band certainly carves out a place in the modern music scene, managing to propose an original album.
Tracklist
01. Pink Light (1:51)
02. Pig & Pony (4:34)
03. Rum Cake (1:24)
04. Monsignor Bananas (8:16)
05. Fantasy in Pink Light (2:10)
06. Sundown at the Barnyard (5:20)
07. Parlor Tricks (3:01)
08. Pony & Pig (5:21)
09. Throwing in the Towel (2:23)
Lineup
Rick Habib / Drums
Bob Lord / Bass
Mac Ritchey / Electric Oud
Justin Walton / Electric Guitar
Duncan Watt / Keyboards
Jon Wyman / Programming
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