THE AMERICAN STANDARD (2001, Red Fez Records), progabilly trio Dreadnaught's third full-length album, is a genre-busting opus that constitutes "one hellacious blast to the senses... a new standard of music" (FACE MAGAZINE). The band's unconventional blend of old school prog, Americana, classical, and jazz is one of the most unusual sounds you'll ever hear - complex and intricate arrangements, dense and labyrinthine orchestration, extreme tones, and blazing playing are just a small part of the sonic landscape that the album traverses. From the frantically heavy King Crimson and Bach-inspired opener "Ballbuster" to the pastoral Yes and Aaron Copland-esque strains of "Derby Days," THE AMERICAN STANDARD pulls no punches.
The album was produced by Dreadnaught (Robert M. Lord vs. Justin S. Walton) and recorded, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Shaun Frenchie Michaud (of prog-poppers Event) with assistance from Thanks to Gravity's Andy Happel at Dizzyland Studios in Rochester NH, where Dreadnaught has recorded each of its three records. The cover art is a painting by the renowned SF and fantasy artists The Brothers Hildebrandt (Star Wars, Lord of the Rings).
Catch Dreadnaught on their 2-leg, 10-week national tour in support of THE AMERICAN STANDARD. Check www.dreadnaughtrock.com and www.redfezrecords.com for more information regarding the band, the album, and the tour.
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"It's entirely different from everything else that's out there, these guys can play the hell out of their instruments, and there is absolutely no pandering to the record-buying public. This is the type of album Rush, Yes, and Zappa were making in the days of Quadraphonic sound, lots of dope, and giant headphones. It's great." (Sam Pfiefle, PORTLAND PHOENIX)
"Some of the most original music I've heard in a long while... The intricate arrangements overflow with clever playing and boundless energy... If there ever was a must-hear prog album, Dreadnaught's THE AMERICAN STANDARD is one." (PROGRESSIVEWORLD.NET)
"A rollercoaster ride of insanity... the musicianship throughout is quite fierce and the songwriting is very original." (PROGRESSIVEEARS.COM)
"The recording for the first time truly captures the eclectic sound and complex musical arrangements the band has been working toward since the release of its last CD, UNA VEZ MAS... If you haven't heard Dreadnaught before and are wondering just what 'progabilly' is, a quick explanation may be 'progressive rock meets roots rock.' But like many aspects of this innovative trio, much more lies beneath the surface." (SPOTLIGHT)
"From the outset, their unique approach to songwriting is sure to overload your system, so several listens are highly recommended. But, have no fear - the more you play the more you'll begin to understand, appreciate and actually enjoy what you are (re)hearing." (FACE MAGAZINE)
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.dreadnaughtrock.comTrack List:
1. Ballbuster
2. The Jester's Theme
3. Deneb
4. Tournament
5. Derby Days
6. Popeye
7. Bunnaschidt
8. James Thresher Industries
9. Welding
10. Kim Philby
11. Rats and Me
12. Swing
13. Clownhead
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