Over the past few years there’s been a town that has produced bands and musicians that continually improve their skills and style. That place is Brighton where many unsigned artists seem to venture out of. One of these, is The Dead Reds.
Since their 2014 release ‘Dark before the Dawn’, the Dead Reds finally, and I mean finally, give us their latest offering, ‘Renegade Genesis’ recorded at Quay West Studios. This blues rock band with a political stance are back, oh and they have harmonicas.
The opening track and the last of this album is owned by spoken word poet Casper James. His succinct flow is a powerful addition to their album. ‘Renegade Genesis’ and ‘Adams Decent’ are two instrumental tracks as the power within the words Mr James provides. With the sound of drums and firing of muskets gives the vision of a scene from a civil war. Casper James enters the stage “This is Mad Max Territory” Casper's words continue to flow like water from a tap, with the aid of the constant drum beat in the background you can do nothing but listen to them, such as “In order for something to live, something must die – welcome to the Renegade Genesis” A powerful opener indeed.
‘Disobey’ follows with a gentle guitar riff mixed with the husky blues vocals, tells the story of being overworked and underpaid and too afraid to get a new job. What you get with The Dead Reds is a middle finger to the people who are meant to protect us, who in fact feed from us.
The sound of the Harmonica protrudes through the soundwaves, this instrument is an underestimated item that can add real feeling to any song. Only certain people should be allowed to play this instrument, and thankfully The Dead Reds give it the respect it deserves. Welcome to the Digital Age “We got the power…got the power of rock n roll yeah” the track reminds me of a Bowie track with the way the vocals are emphasised half way through this song.
Great guitar riffs, heavy basslines and a drumbeat that allows ‘Scorch the Earth’ and ‘Coming for the Crown’ to flow. There are stand out lyrics with a strong connection to a Nick Cave track, there’s always going to be an association with a band such as Blues Traveller, due to the harmonica usage.
Final track, we welcome back Casper James with ‘Adams Decent’ This creator of poetry is certainly a person to check out, but together with the band, they make an astonishing listen.
Renegade Genesis is gut wrenching heroic blues rock. Having heard their previous outing (Dark before the Dawn) it is a sure fire sign that The Dead Reds are comfortable in their own mind and not afraid to think for themselves and speak up against the man.
These Brighton Natives are truly becoming the story tellers, the voice of the voiceless, the voice of the genre and with this album and previous creations, they need to be in your record collection or on your flash drive.
Bill Hicks once said, “The next revolution will be the revolution of ideas.” I’d like to welcome you to The Renegade Genesis....
