CONSCIOUS

dredg's first release is this EP entitled "Conscious". It contains just four tracks and lasts just over 14 minutes. This is a dredg sound that won't be what you expect from their full-length albums. Musically, it sounds most similar to the "Orph" EP, released about a year later. The sound is heavy, based mainly around guitar riffs. The vocals also differ from dredg's later sound. Gavin screams the nihilistic lyrics angrily at the top of his lungs, and occasionally even raps for a little while.. The album is good, but it will show you why dredg is listed under Crossover Prog. Their early EPs aren't very progressive, but still a good listen for dredg fanatics. If you are a big fan of dredg and want more, definately try to get your hands on this elusive bugger, but if you're just a casual dredg fan get all of their studio albums before you decide weather or not to acquaint yourself with the 90's version of dredg. All in all, a solid first release from this California quartet.