DAVE's TAKE: Well I bring you another band that can loosely be classified as "Christian Rock" though unless you knew this by reading a band bio you would likely not realize just by listening to Red and thier new CD End of Silence. Think of this CD as Linkin Park part 2 as they use a lot of strings and musical elements that you would expect from the aforementioned group. Take for example the hit track "Breathe Into Me" it opens up with some discordant violin string music and then explodes into the crunchy downtuned guitars we've come to expect from "nu-metal" groups like Chevelle and Linkin Park. Songs like "Breathe Into Me" and " Already Over" to repeat myself would fit perfectly with any Linkin Park album with. Therein lies part of the problem, a completely unoriginal sound: hard rock layered with classical insturmentals. This could be forgiven if the entire CD was full of good songs but the CD is only 10 songs deep with one essentially being a remix of the same song. Still the hits are done well enough to make those songs on End of Silence worth a listen and make for a promising start for Red.
SOUNDS LIKE: CHEVELLE, LINKIN PARK, BLINDSIDE
DAVE's RATING: 6/10 (A few great songs)
BAND BIO/REVIEWS:
Anthony – Guitar
Randy – Bass / Vocals
Michael – Vocals
Jasen – Guitar
Hayden – Drums
"Passionate vocals. Gnashing guitars. A potent message. These are the elements that make Red — both live and on their mighty debut, End of Silence—one of the most buzzed about bands to crash through the Christian rock world in recent memory. "We’re passionate about our live show, but sometimes we get a little too excited," says bassist Randy Armstrong. He’s just stating the facts. Or more to the point, the injury report. Head contusions. Emergency rooms. Stitches. And that was just their last tour. "Anthony swung his guitar around his body and smashed it into Michael's head causing the guitar to break and Michael to get seven stitches." It’s more than just good theater, though. There’s conviction fueling the onstage bonfire, an inferno that burns brightly on the band’s first proper album. "We’re intent on connecting with the crowd," Armstrong explains. "We’re there for them. They’re not there for us." One might disagree. After all, over 21,000 MySpace "friends" in just over a year online speak to a devoted following of fans. One that should only grow with the release of End of Silence. It’s a long way from their days growing up in Pennsylvania playing to area youth groups, performing popular contemporary Christian music covers. "We were pretty sure we were breaking copyright laws," says Randy Armstrong with a bit of a laugh. "It was fun. But for me personally, you grow out of pop music. I mean, you always like it, but something about somebody screaming in your face gets people pumped up and makes them want to listen. Something about that edge makes you feel a certain way." As contemporary Christian rock continues to push boundaries of what a band can say with its music, bands like Red are on the forefront. Having personally dealt with tragedy, regrets, addiction, and a litany of past mistakes, Red looks real issues right between the eyes on End of Silence and refuses to blink. Guitarist Jasen Rauch hopes his past difficulties can have a positive impact on listeners. He wants to remind everyone that, "No matter where you’ve been, the endgame of salvation is still the same." "People are hitting on subjects that are deeper and darker," Armstrong says. "I think it’s just a sign of Christian music evolving. But at the end of the day, no matter what the message is wrapped in, the music is still about redemption. How people got out of their struggles and into their relationship with God." First single, "Breathe Into Me," perfectly sums up this approach. Armed with angular, staccato riffs and Michael’s throat shredding yet melodic vocals, the song is a fierce lament about looking back and not liking what you see. "This is where I lose myself when I keep running away from you," Michael’s shouts. His redemption comes in a chorus backed with mournful strings and a yearning, almost pleading cry for God to "breathe your life into me—I still need you." Such heavy messages risk being overpowered and singed by the churning, often brutal instrumentation, but it’s a risk the band was willing to take. "Rock bands aren’t always very well received in the Christian world," says Armstrong. "But you look around at what bands are popular right now, and I think the kids are paying attention. It’s a fine line, but I think we walk it pretty well." Red’s duality—fiery, yet poignant—is best exemplified in the flip-sided duo of songs, "Already Over" and album closer "Already Over, Pt. 2." The first version is led by a dark, lilting piano and relentless snare before exploding in pure metal fury. Lyrically it documents a downward spiral, a running or falling away from something good. "Pt. 2" is the antithesis. A stripped down happy ending of sorts, where the lost soul finally finds its way home. After so much angst and upheaval, it’s a fitting final resting place for what should go down as one of the most powerful debut albums of the year. "
"The songs on their debut release deal with the struggles that all humans face, while leading listeners to a place of redemption in the midst of the brokenness. Red hopes their music impacts people in a way that causes them to not feel alone in their struggles. Randy explains, "I hope that our music has a profound impact on people. You never know what people are dealing with in their every day lives, but I am willing to bet that at some point, we all have experienced the same feelings of anger, sadness, confusion, etc. Our music talks about a lot of those times that we have struggled dealing with those feelings and the situations that caused them. I hope our music makes them feel like they are not struggling alone." Produced by Dove nominated producer Rob Graves and mixed by Ben Grosse, End of Silence releases June 13th. The band will be touring with Day of Fire this spring then playing at many major festivals this summer and will continue to hit the road throughout the fall."
A review from John DiBiase - Review date: 6/6/06
"Red is Essential Records' latest new rock band to join their ever budding roster. The band's debut album, End Of Silence, is a powerful and aggressive project that suffers solely from its obvious comparisons to such acts as Linkin Park and even Evanescence. The ambitious debut features a mix of string arrangements and synth melodies with emotional, often intense vocals and crunchy, rhythmic guitars that all serve as the band's groundwork, which was previously laid most popularly by artists like Linkin Park. And although no hip hop vocals can be found in Red's music, their sound retains a distractingly unoriginal feeling.
While an over polishing may deter the more avid hard rock fans from a record like this, it's the kind of sound that opens doors for string accompaniment. And while it may be used to excess at times, its beauty emerges in such tracks as the closer "Already Over Pt. 2." What saves End Of Silence from a quick trip to the bargain bin is its passion and sincerity. Many of the songs unashamedly address the Christian's struggle with temptation and an urgency for Christ -- something you definitely won't find in any of their mainstream counterparts. "Let Go" is an encouragement to cling to hope while "Already Over" (part one) examines the darkest struggles with temptation and its snare. The piano-driven "Pieces" seeks solitude in Christ in the midst of brokenness, displaying the band's strength in writing honest, transparent ballads void of genre clichés. Yet, a more stripped-down approach to the production may have added a more intimate feel, therefore giving it an even more powerful result.
It's hard for me to listen to End Of Silence and not find Red intriguing. However, it's also nearly impossible to listen to them and not wish the band owned the sound they're bearing. So many times, from intros to vocal melodies to guitar riffs, the songs remind the listener of music already done before, giving one the feeling they'd already heard End Of Silence long before their first listen to this album. But while it's easy as a reviewer to retreat behind the hope that "maybe the band's next album will correct these problems," Red is the perfect example of a band that warrants such hope. The band oozes talent and promise despite its formula, but just seems held back by the ever popular trend in Christian music to emulate the mainstream success stories. Could Red stretch their wings beyond the confines of familiarity?
While End Of Silence isn't all that it could be, it still isn't bad for what it is. Red's focus on brokenness and healing through seeking the face of Jesus is really what redeems the band's Essential Records debut. Rock fans will undoubtedly find things to love about End Of Silence, but for those of us ready for artists in the Christian realm to break molds and take risks, Red isn't what we've been waiting for."
BEST SONGS: Breathe Into Me, Already Over, Lost, Pieces
SONG SAMPLES/VIDEOS:
SOUNDS LIKE: CHEVELLE, LINKIN PARK, BLINDSIDE
DAVE's RATING: 6/10 (A few great songs)
BAND BIO/REVIEWS:
Anthony – Guitar
Randy – Bass / Vocals
Michael – Vocals
Jasen – Guitar
Hayden – Drums
"Passionate vocals. Gnashing guitars. A potent message. These are the elements that make Red — both live and on their mighty debut, End of Silence—one of the most buzzed about bands to crash through the Christian rock world in recent memory. "We’re passionate about our live show, but sometimes we get a little too excited," says bassist Randy Armstrong. He’s just stating the facts. Or more to the point, the injury report. Head contusions. Emergency rooms. Stitches. And that was just their last tour. "Anthony swung his guitar around his body and smashed it into Michael's head causing the guitar to break and Michael to get seven stitches." It’s more than just good theater, though. There’s conviction fueling the onstage bonfire, an inferno that burns brightly on the band’s first proper album. "We’re intent on connecting with the crowd," Armstrong explains. "We’re there for them. They’re not there for us." One might disagree. After all, over 21,000 MySpace "friends" in just over a year online speak to a devoted following of fans. One that should only grow with the release of End of Silence. It’s a long way from their days growing up in Pennsylvania playing to area youth groups, performing popular contemporary Christian music covers. "We were pretty sure we were breaking copyright laws," says Randy Armstrong with a bit of a laugh. "It was fun. But for me personally, you grow out of pop music. I mean, you always like it, but something about somebody screaming in your face gets people pumped up and makes them want to listen. Something about that edge makes you feel a certain way." As contemporary Christian rock continues to push boundaries of what a band can say with its music, bands like Red are on the forefront. Having personally dealt with tragedy, regrets, addiction, and a litany of past mistakes, Red looks real issues right between the eyes on End of Silence and refuses to blink. Guitarist Jasen Rauch hopes his past difficulties can have a positive impact on listeners. He wants to remind everyone that, "No matter where you’ve been, the endgame of salvation is still the same." "People are hitting on subjects that are deeper and darker," Armstrong says. "I think it’s just a sign of Christian music evolving. But at the end of the day, no matter what the message is wrapped in, the music is still about redemption. How people got out of their struggles and into their relationship with God." First single, "Breathe Into Me," perfectly sums up this approach. Armed with angular, staccato riffs and Michael’s throat shredding yet melodic vocals, the song is a fierce lament about looking back and not liking what you see. "This is where I lose myself when I keep running away from you," Michael’s shouts. His redemption comes in a chorus backed with mournful strings and a yearning, almost pleading cry for God to "breathe your life into me—I still need you." Such heavy messages risk being overpowered and singed by the churning, often brutal instrumentation, but it’s a risk the band was willing to take. "Rock bands aren’t always very well received in the Christian world," says Armstrong. "But you look around at what bands are popular right now, and I think the kids are paying attention. It’s a fine line, but I think we walk it pretty well." Red’s duality—fiery, yet poignant—is best exemplified in the flip-sided duo of songs, "Already Over" and album closer "Already Over, Pt. 2." The first version is led by a dark, lilting piano and relentless snare before exploding in pure metal fury. Lyrically it documents a downward spiral, a running or falling away from something good. "Pt. 2" is the antithesis. A stripped down happy ending of sorts, where the lost soul finally finds its way home. After so much angst and upheaval, it’s a fitting final resting place for what should go down as one of the most powerful debut albums of the year. "
"The songs on their debut release deal with the struggles that all humans face, while leading listeners to a place of redemption in the midst of the brokenness. Red hopes their music impacts people in a way that causes them to not feel alone in their struggles. Randy explains, "I hope that our music has a profound impact on people. You never know what people are dealing with in their every day lives, but I am willing to bet that at some point, we all have experienced the same feelings of anger, sadness, confusion, etc. Our music talks about a lot of those times that we have struggled dealing with those feelings and the situations that caused them. I hope our music makes them feel like they are not struggling alone." Produced by Dove nominated producer Rob Graves and mixed by Ben Grosse, End of Silence releases June 13th. The band will be touring with Day of Fire this spring then playing at many major festivals this summer and will continue to hit the road throughout the fall."
A review from John DiBiase - Review date: 6/6/06
"Red is Essential Records' latest new rock band to join their ever budding roster. The band's debut album, End Of Silence, is a powerful and aggressive project that suffers solely from its obvious comparisons to such acts as Linkin Park and even Evanescence. The ambitious debut features a mix of string arrangements and synth melodies with emotional, often intense vocals and crunchy, rhythmic guitars that all serve as the band's groundwork, which was previously laid most popularly by artists like Linkin Park. And although no hip hop vocals can be found in Red's music, their sound retains a distractingly unoriginal feeling.
While an over polishing may deter the more avid hard rock fans from a record like this, it's the kind of sound that opens doors for string accompaniment. And while it may be used to excess at times, its beauty emerges in such tracks as the closer "Already Over Pt. 2." What saves End Of Silence from a quick trip to the bargain bin is its passion and sincerity. Many of the songs unashamedly address the Christian's struggle with temptation and an urgency for Christ -- something you definitely won't find in any of their mainstream counterparts. "Let Go" is an encouragement to cling to hope while "Already Over" (part one) examines the darkest struggles with temptation and its snare. The piano-driven "Pieces" seeks solitude in Christ in the midst of brokenness, displaying the band's strength in writing honest, transparent ballads void of genre clichés. Yet, a more stripped-down approach to the production may have added a more intimate feel, therefore giving it an even more powerful result.
It's hard for me to listen to End Of Silence and not find Red intriguing. However, it's also nearly impossible to listen to them and not wish the band owned the sound they're bearing. So many times, from intros to vocal melodies to guitar riffs, the songs remind the listener of music already done before, giving one the feeling they'd already heard End Of Silence long before their first listen to this album. But while it's easy as a reviewer to retreat behind the hope that "maybe the band's next album will correct these problems," Red is the perfect example of a band that warrants such hope. The band oozes talent and promise despite its formula, but just seems held back by the ever popular trend in Christian music to emulate the mainstream success stories. Could Red stretch their wings beyond the confines of familiarity?
While End Of Silence isn't all that it could be, it still isn't bad for what it is. Red's focus on brokenness and healing through seeking the face of Jesus is really what redeems the band's Essential Records debut. Rock fans will undoubtedly find things to love about End Of Silence, but for those of us ready for artists in the Christian realm to break molds and take risks, Red isn't what we've been waiting for."
BEST SONGS: Breathe Into Me, Already Over, Lost, Pieces
SONG SAMPLES/VIDEOS:
CLICK STANDALONE PLAYER TO PLAY SONGS
BAND WEBSITES/LINKS:
http://www.myspace.com/dropofred
redmusiconline.com
Amazon page
1 comment:
I found this blog from a review in amazon.com.
Red is AMAZING!! i just hope it's available in my country.
Thanks for sharing.
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