Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 06/13/2006
Even though
Red is technically a Christian-based
alternative rock quintet, you wouldn't necessarily know this detail by listening to their debut album,
End of Silence. Polished and ready for secular
rock radio,
Red produce fiercely passionate music influenced by contemporary bands like
Linkin Park and
Chevelle. Leaning closer to the latter,
Red is far from a
rap-rock outfit. But their use of textured backdrops and heavy, crunching riffs clearly brings to mind the atmosphere of many a
Linkin Park song. For proof, look no further than the band's first single
"Breathe into Me," which layers thick guitars and fiery strings into a song that sounds like a less beat-oriented
"One Step Closer." Lead singer
Mike Barnes doesn't have as expressive a voice as
Chester Bennington (how many really do?), but he does a remarkably good job loading each song with powerful emotion -- from passionate singing to distraught shrieking -- to make up for the slightly derivative tone of the overall record. There is nothing here that hasn't already been done in some other form, but where other bands are just pissed off and jaded,
Red clearly believe in every note played. They confront universal topics from their lives -- pain, loneliness, confusion -- but there's an underlying theme of redemption that keeps things from becoming just depressing. It's in these moments that the band's faith shines through; they're never overt about their Christianity -- listeners could easily assume
Barnes is talking to a friend or lover, for instance, instead of God -- but for those that understand the context of his words and, simply, his relationship with Christ, the band's lyrics will ring even more meaningful.
Red's addition of string sections and piano parts on most every song (and not just in delicate tracks like
"Pieces" and
"Already Over, Pt. 2") gives a nice ethereal edge to the band's otherwise intense and crashing rhythms. Altogether,
End of Silence could just as easily storm the mainstream as take over the hearts of its primary Christian audience.
~Corey Apar, All Music Guide
Average Review:
Number of reviews: 3
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Rocker26
from Jacksonville, Fl
All around awesome!!!
I think I heard of this band through either a commercial or their video played on FUSE... and I'm really happy I did. They are one of the best overall bands I've ever heard. From awsomely intenseful hard rock beats to a calm, soothing song, all on the same disc. I actually couldn't find the cd in the stire at first so I asked the employee and it was in the Christian section and I was shocked. Besides Switchfoot, I have'nt really heard anything Christian sound this good. I can't believe they aren't much more well known than they are. THEY ROCK! You should definatly check them out.
A reviewer
from Independence, MO
If Only They Were Known...
This CD is better than most people give it credit for. Me and My friend found it randomly in a store and decided to try it out and to our surprise it was great! They have potential, in my opinion to be a great band!
Setsuka
from OK
It's a lot better than All Music Guide claims it to be...
I saw the overview and how many stars Corey Apar gave this album and I couldn't keep my mouth shut. Red is a Christian Rock band and I knew it right from the first song I heard from them "Breathe Into Me", without even looking it up to make sure. But just to clarify, even if it doesn't make it completely clear that its a Christian Rock band right off, that shouldn't subtract from how good the CD is. I mean, it took me a few minutes to figure out that Skillet was a Christian Rock band but I didn't see anyone complaining there.
What truly makes Red a good band though, is the fact that their music is original. Each song has its own intensity and emotional factor, and each one is worth listening to. And if you aren't quite sure about the band, listen to their song "Breathe Into Me" and then judge...
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