Type: Album
Label: V2
Release Date: 26/03/12
At a time when guitar music no longer seems to take centre stage in today’s musical climate, there really hasn’t been a better time for a new Blood Red Shoes record. The Brighton based duo, comprising Laura Mary Carter and Steven Ansell, have so far released two excellent records, and their third effort “In Time To Voices” is further evidence of their ability to build on their impressive track record.
In contrast to the last couple of albums, they have left behind their dense, lo-fi sound and opted for a slicker, “bigger” production. This can be detected in the opening, eponymous track, with an organic two-minute build up, before plunging into the Sonic Youth-esque tune. Following this, “Lost Kids” and the latest single “Cold”, showcase the duo’s skill in trading off their vocals, one of the distinctive features of their career.
Another notable aspect of this album is the degree of experimentation in the recording process – something the band has not indulged in before – with the atmospheric tones of ‘The Silence And The Drones” and the folk-orientated “Night Light” being great examples of this. Nor have they forsaken their noise pop credentials as can be heard in “Je Me Perds”, a 90-second blast of ear-shattering vocals and guitars, akin to Dinosaur Jr. To add to the mix, they throw in “Down Here In The Dark”, perfecting the quiet-loud formula of Pixies, whilst retaining a clear pop structure. Closing track “Seven Years” is the perfect way to round things off, showing why they are one of the most exciting acts on the current scene.
Essentially, Blood Red Shoes have really found their feet with “In Time To Voices”, making it their best release so far. It’s a triumph for them to nail their own unique sound and not be bracketed with other grunge-worshipping acts that are stuck in the 90s. To other bands of their ilk who are releasing new material, be warned! You are facing tough competition here.
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Album Rating: 9/10 |
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FFO: Pixies, Sonic Youth, No Age |
