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Red - End of Silence: Deluxe Editionoriginal effort |
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Review by Andy Argyrakis Hard rockers Red may have just dropped a debut disc last year, but the band's had an impressive streak of success, including opening slots for Godsmack, landing a song on CBS' "Without a Trace," plus having a handful of singles race up the alternative rock charts. The group also just picked up where Skillet left off as openers for the Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace and Seether tour, which played to mostly sold out arenas across America. Though the band's been busy on the road and its official sophomore CD is still in the works, End of Silence: Deluxe Edition serves as a worthwhile way to tide over fans in the meantime.The audio portion of the double disc package features the group's four main singles, including the Top 10 Active Rock track "Breathe Into Me," the equally assertive "Break Me Down" and "Already Over," plus the current release "Let Go." Though the gang shares the aggressive tendencies of its tour mates, there's also an overtly melodic side that suggests a deeper artistic agenda. For the unfamiliar, expect a sound that runs the gamut of Tool to Chevelle to Linkin Park and Cold, mixed with its own menacing guitar thrashes and the roaring vocals of Michael Barnes (who often sports face paint in concert a la R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe). Yet the true treat on this collection is the second disc, a DVD loaded with a full-length concert in front of its fan club the Red Nation. Aside from being especially amped to be in the band's presence, the audience adds additional sing-a-long life to the above tracks, plus the rarely performed "Pieces," which is stripped down to acoustic contexts. There's also a music video for "Breathe Into Me," the short film documentary "Drops of Red" and a comical section titled "Video Blogs From the Road," tracing behind the scenes time on tour (from the dressing room to the bus and hotel). Its an apt summary of the last year for the rockers in Red that mounts anticipation for the next intense offering these players are in the midst of pummeling. |