Rocksector Records

 

 

 

Last year I had the fortune to review ‘Shake The Faith’, Falling Red’s debut album. http://www.midlandsrocks.co.uk/reviews/album-reviews/fallingred_shakethefaith. What hit me was its sheer confidence and cocky street wise attitude; there was fun and debauchery around every corner. The Cumbrian sleaze rockers had left an indelible impression on me. So I jumped at the chance to review this EP.

As with their album, this offering has an attention grabbing title; ‘Hasta La Victoria Siempre’, roughly translated it means; until victory always / forever. It is attributed to the master of counter-culture and rebellion - Che Guevara. Very fitting indeed.

So armed with a snappy strap-line and previous form, have Falling Red carried on where they left off?

As soon as the splatter punk guitar of Rozey spits out of the speakers, the immediate answer is a resounding YES. Full of low-end bass and yob chants this is the sound of a band that have never been away. Rozey demands we “come on down - if ya wanna get fucked up in this town” and as clichéd as these lyrics are - I’m with them every step of the way to the bar. The band sound tight musically, with enough looseness to keep that rock n roll spirit alive. Its a triumphant opening.

‘My Little Vice’, sees a more subtle opening from the band, but don’t think for a minute they have gone all classy on us, its simply the sound of the band maturing and expanding their sound. A great guitar harmony from Rozey sits atop a gentle drum beat. The pace cleverly picks up and musically it has all the hallmarks of all those great Sunset Strip bothering bands of the late 80s and early 90s. A sprinkling of Faster Pussycat, Love /Hate, Skid Row, LA Guns and even the sleazy subtleties of Bang Tango.

The following track ‘The Last Kiss Goodbye’ is, put simply, majestic. There is no other way of describing it, other than to say it’s a power ballad. But before you think of the over indulgence of a ‘November Rain’ and images of churches and guitar solos on a cliff edge, think of wonderful vocals, sheer catchy lyrics and more importantly fine musicianship. Rozey’s soaring vocals perfectly blend the best of Brett Michaels, Vince Neil and Seb Bach, and this song would happily sit alongside ‘Every Rose Has It’s Thorn’, ‘Without You’ and ‘I Remember You’. In my eyes that is the ultimate accolade for any songwriter.

So from writing, what for me is already a contender for ‘Song of 2011’ how do Falling Red finish this 4 track EP? Well, by doing what they do best… in your face rock n roll. ‘Ain’t Down With The Rock’ sees the Falling Red holding their placards defiantly aloft. Exclaiming “If you ain’t with the rock - then fuck right off “ in large luminous letters!!! This is punk, sleaze rock played to perfection - 4 mates swearing like school kids with an air of mischief in detention. In a fitting end the EP finishes with a ripple of applause - for a job well done.

In just under 16 minutes this 4 track EP has left my speakers in a state of disrepair , the cones have all blown. I should be asking Falling Red for equipment compensation, but if ever a stereo needs to be cremated, it’s accompanied by sheer musical rebellion like this.

Its total rock n roll destruction… and I love it !!! So do yourselves a favour and crank this up to 11, and wait for the explosion…!!!

9/10

Track-listing;

Come On Down / My Little Vice / The Last Kiss Goodbye / Ain’t Down With The Rock.

‘Hasta La Victoria Siempre’ is out now on Rocksector Records.

http://www.myspace.com/fallingredband