De Nova - The Redwalls Album Review

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Album Review

Youthful exuberance is a wonderful thing when it is channelled via four insightful Illinois born tunesmiths, who with their empirical instincts cobble together a range of influences from Free, Sonic Youth and The Rolling Stones to Oasis, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Stone Roses. The first mentioned trio provide the basis for the thunderous opener; Robinson Crusoe and is given streak of lightning when the vocals of Logan Barren appear almost uninvited, as a tale of recklessness and abandon is duly told. The sound takes on a slicker rhythm with a tingling Jools Holland geed up by Aqualung piano propelled intro in the slower and more soulfully sung number; Build A Bridge. This is reminiscent of the flickering modern outfit Proud Mary on a chance meeting with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

The potential indie anthem Back Together highlights with absorbing melody the exact reason why this band is very special guests of Oasis on their current UK stadium tour. The punk spirited Falling Down oozes The Buzzcocks-like charm and attitude, in a way that only a few bands can achieve. The Free fuelled It's Alright, is true rock n roll rawness with a plate of chips for your pleasure. When subtlety sneaks into the fold in the jangling and slightly whining; Hung up on the Way I'm Feeling we are provided with a true to taste of diversity. The Glory of War is a Dylan-esque insight into the ravages and harshness of conflict that is carried off with the pungency and cogency of playwright Dave Hare.

This precocious outfit provides us with insight, but do not compromise craft in order to do so. To be able to pull off thirteen tracks without losing the interest and mood; is something some bands that have had four or five albums under their belt struggle to muster. Therefore, we can look forward to The Redwalls' fifth album with the optimism of an England follower musing about the World Cup. This Illinois born quartet have the potential to become as prolific as Alan Shearer or Randi Moss, for you American readers.

David Adair