Torches
Apollon, 2024
8/10
A long running band from Bergen, Norway, The Dredge draw from a wealth of influences across these unpredictable and exciting 8 tracks.
“Boredom” begins the listen with Kjetil Vikene’s shimmering guitar and deep voice, where mood is key and the echoing vocals draw us in before the last 30 seconds erupts with a thick climate, and “Whales” follows with Frode Røsjø’s thumping drums that suits the alt-rock presence of grit and melody.
The middle track belongs to the buzzing and stylish “Brake”, where Mats Andersen’s playful bass is much appreciated, while “River Twice” emits a soulful quality that benefits from layered vocals and the meticulous rhythm section.
Closer to the end, the textured and mesmerizing “Hotel Drunk” is the best selection via the prettiness and ruggedness that meet at a prog-friendly intersection, and “Torches II- The Future Is Burning” exits with a rare intimacy that’s dreamy, mysterious and flirts with post-rock.
An eclectic listen that can remind us of XTC, The Mars Volta, The Police or even Jane’s Addiction, every moment here is precise, memorable and will be enjoyed on repeated visits.
Travels well with: Gaute Storsve Band- Bebé K’awiil; Lucifer Was- Ein Fix Ferdig Mann