Red - Release The Panic

I really liked Red's last offering, Until We Have Faces. It was a solid hard rock record with super catchy songs. According to the interwebs the band's first two records were better. But I haven't given those albums a listen. So, Until We Have Faces will stand as a good hard rock record in my book.

All that to say I was pretty excited to give Release The Panic a spin.

Release The Panic is a more interesting record than Until We Have Faces. It has more layers and textures. Release The Panic breaks the usual hard rock mold and Red branches out in some different and interesting. I appreciate the artistry and the risk of stepping out. There are some great moments that are executed perfectly. But I'm still unsure of what I think about it.

Release the Panic (the song) and Perfect Life kick in strong. Both tracks are similar to what Red has done in the past but they feel like the band is having fun playing music. I wouldn't say that Release The Panic is a "happy" record but the songs just sound like Red is having fun making music.

Die For You, Damage, and Same Disease feel more like late 90's industrial tracks... Sort of. Die For You and Same Disease are extremely upbeat in sound, while Damage has darker undertones. It's a cross between 90's industrial and 80's new wave. Which I like. The songs are great and extremely enjoyable.

Then we get a handful of Red ballads. Hold Me Now, So Far Away, Glass House, and The Moment We Come Alive are all beautiful songs with great melodies. Michael Barnes' lyrics are beautifully touching. Each song feels like you could have a personal and emotional connection to it. There aren't many artist that can do that with track after track on the same album.

Release The Panic is something completely different for Red but has enough familiarity to it that fans won't feel left in the dark. It's an interesting mix of songs but I like that Red's passion and enjoyment for making music comes through on Release The Panic. It's endearing to be able to hear a band enjoying what they're doing.