Sat, May 7, Dredg

Initially an alt-metal act, Dredg steadily tempered noisier aspects in favor of epic art rock heavy on atmospheric texture. Formed in ’93, it’s graduated to post-metal, fashioning undulating soundscapes like tension-release acts Pelican and Russian Circles. The cinematic canvases suit the band’s big-picture thinking. Its first four full-lengths are concept-driven, tackling morality, soul sickness, dialectics and faith. Indeed, the band’s latest, Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy, is the first not to, focusing instead on adopted frontman Gavin Hayes’ discovery of his biological family. Produced by Dan the Automator, it features greater use of electronics. 1417 R Street, http://dredg.com.