Spring Break
Redwalls' latest album robust, emotionally loaded
Phillip Kazanjian
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
The Redwalls, a Chicago native group of four shaggy haired men have been making quite the splash with simple popish sounds that have been heavily compared to the Beatles.
Though they have been compared, please try not to make the mistake of tying them in as another mockery of one of Britain's favorite bands. The Redwalls, while they share some qualities with bands of the 60's - Logan Baren, the band's vocalist even sounds a bit like John Lennon - this band has a sound all its own; it's confusing, I know.
Formerly known as the Pages, these guys have already released two albums: Universal Blues and De Nova. Their newest creation self-titled the Redwalls was actually released back on October 23, but with their recent concert here at Drexel (hopefully you had a chance to attend) Nov. 7, what better band to cover and how does this MadDragon signed band's newest attempt sound?
First up, Hangman, a song filled with an undeniable indie beat, with an attitude and liveliness very much like something the Rolling Stones would produce.
Modern Diet continues on in the same manner that the previous track started; Mick Jagger must be swelling with pride at this point. The third track, Summer Romance, slows down a bit in tempo, toning down the poppy attitude in favor for a softer melodic approach. You Can't Forget Yourself comes in as a sweet and memorable retrospective love tale. Put Us Down, the fifth track, not even half way through the album, reminds you that the Redwalls are all about melody and attitude.
Game of Love slows the album down once again with a sweet melody and delightfully insightfully lyrics. The raw sounds of their guitars return once again in Don't You Wanna Come Out, resulting in yet another catchy tune. Quick, heavily distorted guitar riffs and a heavy voice make for Into the Maelstrom with then transits to Little Sister which cuts the speed of Into the Maelstrom literally in half, allowing you to recuperate and prepare for the next track. Now be on your toes as "it's the coming of the spaceman" in They Are Among Us. This song brings nothing but the sheer desire to get up and sing along with its wonderfully fun speed and energetic mood.
Given a chance to breath, it's time for a well-deserved rest with Each and Every Night, which is a good soft song, but it might also be the album's weakest link. Logan Baren does exceptionally well at throwing his voice around in many ranges, but in this instance, when he is trying to be especially soft, he seems to lose clarity in his voice; this hurts the song but not nearly enough to ruin this track. Afterward, the album makes its conclusion with In the Time of the Machine, a heavily distorted behemoth of a song that serves as a wonderful closing point to the Redwalls newest works.
The Redwalls' new album is fabulously robust, in both a musical and emotional sense and it certainly seems that this song list, if ever given the chance to air on public radio, will definitely continue to draw more and more fans to their significant musical voice.
Though they have been compared, please try not to make the mistake of tying them in as another mockery of one of Britain's favorite bands. The Redwalls, while they share some qualities with bands of the 60's - Logan Baren, the band's vocalist even sounds a bit like John Lennon - this band has a sound all its own; it's confusing, I know.
Formerly known as the Pages, these guys have already released two albums: Universal Blues and De Nova. Their newest creation self-titled the Redwalls was actually released back on October 23, but with their recent concert here at Drexel (hopefully you had a chance to attend) Nov. 7, what better band to cover and how does this MadDragon signed band's newest attempt sound?
First up, Hangman, a song filled with an undeniable indie beat, with an attitude and liveliness very much like something the Rolling Stones would produce.
Modern Diet continues on in the same manner that the previous track started; Mick Jagger must be swelling with pride at this point. The third track, Summer Romance, slows down a bit in tempo, toning down the poppy attitude in favor for a softer melodic approach. You Can't Forget Yourself comes in as a sweet and memorable retrospective love tale. Put Us Down, the fifth track, not even half way through the album, reminds you that the Redwalls are all about melody and attitude.
Game of Love slows the album down once again with a sweet melody and delightfully insightfully lyrics. The raw sounds of their guitars return once again in Don't You Wanna Come Out, resulting in yet another catchy tune. Quick, heavily distorted guitar riffs and a heavy voice make for Into the Maelstrom with then transits to Little Sister which cuts the speed of Into the Maelstrom literally in half, allowing you to recuperate and prepare for the next track. Now be on your toes as "it's the coming of the spaceman" in They Are Among Us. This song brings nothing but the sheer desire to get up and sing along with its wonderfully fun speed and energetic mood.
Given a chance to breath, it's time for a well-deserved rest with Each and Every Night, which is a good soft song, but it might also be the album's weakest link. Logan Baren does exceptionally well at throwing his voice around in many ranges, but in this instance, when he is trying to be especially soft, he seems to lose clarity in his voice; this hurts the song but not nearly enough to ruin this track. Afterward, the album makes its conclusion with In the Time of the Machine, a heavily distorted behemoth of a song that serves as a wonderful closing point to the Redwalls newest works.
The Redwalls' new album is fabulously robust, in both a musical and emotional sense and it certainly seems that this song list, if ever given the chance to air on public radio, will definitely continue to draw more and more fans to their significant musical voice.
Be the first to comment on this story