Red’s Essential Records debut, “End of Silence,” is as potent and evocative as their fiery name. Its shrewd mix of ambience and aggression will stop you in your tracks.
"End of Silence" balances that duality throughout this full-throttled project, eleven tracks of surprises and paradoxes. Introduced by just under a minute of lovely classical piano, the teeth-baring "Breathe Into Me" roars into the room and grabs you by the throat. The staccato riffs and roiling guitars create the notorious wall of sound, powerfully portraying the desperation of the lyrics. "Let Go" continues the angst, adding to its blistering alt-rock melody Michael Barnes' mid-song whispered vocals.
These tracks set you up for the mournful strings of "Already Over," its dichotomy of melodic strings versus thrashing guitars a thoughtful picture of our inward battle in the face of temptation. The passionate rocker "Lost" continues in this vein of lush expression, from its scorching guitar riffs and Hayden Lamb's driving percussion to the dizzying strings. The overall effect is one of luxuriant adoration, matching the lyrical worship seamlessly. If "Lost" is any indication, we can expect innovation and beauty to come from Red.
"Pieces" is almost as powerful, a lovingly arranged track with great attention to detail. This pristine song of surrender is movingly presented on a bed of quiet strings, Barnes' gentle vocals rich with emotion. Barnes can move you to tears with his expressive voice, but it is just as easy to imagine him biting the head off a chicken when you listen to the snarling "Hide." Diversity is a beautiful thing, and Red has it in spades, veering between the loveliness of "Pieces" and the thundering wailer, "Wasting Time," at dizzying speed. "End of Silence" covers both arenas well, leaving you to wonder which audience Red will satisfy with their debut. Those with little adventure in their spirits will complain, like a certain bear family, that "End of Silence" is too soft. . . . or too hard. Quitcher whining, people, Red is a band dripping with talent, intelligence and focus, give 'em a chance. They are to be commended for their superb use of strings alone. Check out closer "Already Over Pt. 2" for example of stellar said sting-usage. This moody piece lends itself to contemplation, both musical and spiritual. Sounds like worship to me.
