CD REVIEW: BLOOD RED SAINTS – Speedway

Label: Frontiers Music srl

Release Date: December 4, 2015

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Frontiers Records has a knack of bringing together different artists from different bands and creating a killer unit with great songs and sounds.  The latest, Blood Red Saints, is more of the same great equation.  Disc opener “Kickin’ Up Dust” starts off like many melodic tracks from the label, but at the first hint of vocals and guitars takes on a very Def Leppard influenced feel, until the verse kicks in full throttle.  The song sounds Trixter-ish to me, but that is cool, as I have always dug them.  “Mercy” keeps the intensity of the vocals from Pete Godfrey, while dialing back the guitars and rhythm section slightly from the opening song.  The big vocals at the chorus sit well against the guitar solo at the bridge.  “Dangerous” is an interesting track, as it blends a lighter acoustically driven verse with a guitar-heavy chorus.  Lee Revill’s riffs and solos soar above the track and are some of the best on the disc.  “Better Days” is a great rock song that marries guitars and keyboards, along with top notch vocals and a driving tempo, courtesy of bassist Rob Naylor and drummer Pete Newdeck.  “Unbreakable” is one of my favorite tracks on the disc, as it showcases Godfrey’s vocals at the verse, while dropping a great melody at the chorus, along with some heavy handed bottom end.  The harmonies in the background add depth to the song and keep it interest from open to close.  “CGRNR” is a different instrumental, in that is sounds like a warmup for a guitar player, but soon shows off some fun fretwork.

“Best Of Me” slowly unfolds into a beautiful ballad that pulls its sound from different influences.  The keyboards in the intro are all Foreigner, but the song takes on a life of its own as the verse shifts to chorus.  Godfrey’s vocals add depth, while the rhythm section keeps the track flowing.  “Love Set Me Up Again” is another ballad that allows the band to show off their lighter side without getting too soft.  The guitars are subtle, but if you listen closely, you will hear some great playing, as well as some great drumming.  “The Best Thing” morphs from a piano-driven piece at the intro and verse into a chugging rocker that features some fun bass work from Naylor in the mix at the chorus, bridge, and second verse.  The catchy lyrics and mood of the chorus are sure to get a lighter or two in the air if this ever sees the stage.  “Wrapped up In These Arms” is melodic AOR gold.  The keyboards and guitars that support the vocals at the verse grow slowly throughout the track, while the drums and bass anchor the songs feel.  The vocals drive and steer the mood of the track.  “Feels A Lot Like Love” keeps the AOR rock groove alive, with a steady track that brings together a thumping bass line with some tight drums and guitars that build through the verse.  “Faith” closes the disc on a mellow note that merges Godfrey’s vocals with a great piano piece.  The lighter mood of the track nicely contrasts the vocal.  There is something about this non-rocker that draws the listener in, even without the trappings of guitars, drums, or bass.

​​​​​​​Tracklisting: Kickin’ Up Dust – Mercy – Best Of Me – Dangerous – Love Set Me Up Again – Better Days – The Best Thing – Unbreakable – Wrapped up In These Arms – CGRNR – Feels A Lot Like Love – Faith

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Category: CD Reviews