When it comes to making music, DREGG have told us in the past how the collective “put a beat on and freestyle” to get stuff off their chest, helping everyone feel better in the process. Vocalist Christopher Mackertich describes it as ‘brain vomiting’ and says he finds a sense of relief once everything is out. Well this seems to be the case for the band’s newest single, “EVOLVE”, which is a lyrical rant as well as an ad for a fictional energy drink of the same name.
“I’m just trying to vent and get this nonsense out of my head” “EVOLVE” literally says, coming at the listener as loud and as large as we’d expect from DREGG. Blunt and barrelling, it’s worth taking a peek at the song’s lyrics which explore the importance of individuality and ownership of one’s own mind and growth – while also not taking itself too seriously. The Thomas Elliot music video scales a tightrope of meaning and ridiculousness too, from a can-crushing tank (!), supermarket theatrics, a moment with a droid-like human zombie, and literal apes and fire. It’s pure DREGG in how the yearning to grow instead of staying stagnant and contained has been turned into technicolour chaos.
“This whole god damn world tried to break me
Now I’m the opposite of what I’m supposed to be”
Despite the ridiculousness, the song’s veins pulse with genuine determination and a screaming Mackertich in one’s face is a clear call to pay attention. Hardcore thunderousness makes way for a sultry nu-metal-esque bass interlude at the bridge; and it’s an appealingly drawing and building moment for “EVOLVE” that further cements the cause of embracing change.
In a statement about “EVOLVE”, DREGG have said: “Humans have a long history of adapting to situations and environments they’ve been thrown into. 2020 was no exception and it pushed humanity into new and interesting territory. Without the ability to allow thoughts, feelings, and the fundamentals of innovation to advance and improve, the world would have come to an unimaginative decline in ingenuity.”
DREGG are Christopher Mackertich (vocals), Jordan McQuitty (guitar), Sam Yates (guitar), Aiden Zovic (bass), and Horhay Delalopez (drums). Watch “EVOLVE” via YouTube below.
