Dream Theater never sleeps

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 03/24/06

Prog-rock, pop and metal are the three sonic elements that make up the sound of Dream Theater.

“When you get down to it, that’s what we love,” keyboardist Jordan Rudess said. “But each album we make is different because some discs are more art-rock and some are heavier.”

Certainly the band’s ninth album, “Octavarium,” released in June, is one of the group’s most visceral efforts. Loaded with ominous, angst-ridden tracks, the guitar-driven disc has plenty of bite.

“Maybe this is our most metal album,” Rudess said while calling from Denver. “This is just where we are now. We were in different places before and who knows where we’ll be in the future. We don’t make the same disc every time. Maybe that’s why we have different types of fans.”

There is no average Dream Theater aficionado and that pleases Rudess.

“It’s great that when we look out into the audience and there are fans of different ages, from different worlds in the same venue. We have fans that are into us because of our virtuosity. They love that we can play as well as anybody. Some people like the old Genesis vibe we have. Other fans are into our metal side. That’s the benefit of having range. We just don’t appeal to one crowd.”

If Rudess had his way, he wouldn’t mind if the group’s sonic palette increased. The soft-spoken performer, who favors adventurous contemporary art-rock groups such as critical darlings Radiohead and Iceland’s acclaimed Sigur Ros, would be up for making trippier Dream Theater tunes but doubts that his bandmates would be onboard with such a notion.

“I’m the only one in this band who really likes the more out there electronic music,” Rudess said. “It’s interesting trying new things, but I think this band is going to stay with what it does well.”

Perhaps what Dream Theater, which also includes vocalist James LaBrie, guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung and drummer Mike Portnoy, does best is play live. Like many of its prog-rock influences, Dream Theater is known for its energetic concerts. As a result, the band, which will perform Sunday at Asbury Park’s Paramount Theatre, is one of rock’s most bootlegged bands.

“We take a lot of pride in our shows,” Rudess said. “We’re very serious when we step on that stage. We set a standard live and the fans respond to that.”

That’s why Dream Theater has released four live discs.

“Those albums have sold well,” Rudess said. “The fans obviously want them. We’re a live band.”

As much as the group loves the road, Dream Theater is taking a healthy break after it finishes its tour in early April.

“We’re going to take a few months off after this tour because we need it to clear our heads,” Rudess said. “We deserve a break, but we’ll be back before you know it.”