Take Back Tomorrow is the first EP from Scottish outfit She Burns Red. They have released a couple of singles before (“Interstellar” and “My Curse” both available via Bandcamp as well as Spotify) but this EP features a new drummer in the shape of ex-Amorette Hannah McKay and guitarist Jay Moir previously of Scottish AOR band The King Lot. Both bassist/vocalist James McCulloch and guitarist/vocalist Andy Moore remain from previous recordings. For this new release they have worked with Toby Jepson from Wayward Sons and Little Angels fame who produced and engineered the EP.
They play high energy rock ‘n’ roll. Three to 4-minute songs with strong choruses. And this EP catches them in action very well. The subject matter is quite serious dealing as it does with fighting ill-health. Someone either to do with the band or someone in one of their families has had brain surgery it seems sadly. And depression yet it still sounds uplifting and gets the body moving.
Opening song “Copernicus Falls” (see video below) has a bit of a Soundgarden vibe musically at a couple of points especially. Lyrically it speaks of the “cancer that eats away” going on to ask “can save me” from both the “pain of addiction” and “consequences of this nightmare”. It speaks volumes that like The Wildhearts‘ most recent output they manage to couch such heavy and personal lyrics into a song that you can sing along with! It ends on a positive suggesting the fight is not over and the war will be won when he sings defiantly “you won’t break me”.
Talking of The Wildhearts, second song “Crosshairs” has both a mix of them and classic Almighty in its grooves. This is quite radio-friendly. And has a very strong chorus which vocally did remind me of the latter’s frontman Ricky Warwick! Even the guitar solo has a very sweet melody or riff line running through it. I expect this will get plenty of audience reaction live as it has a right bounce about it.
Third song “Gone” is the heaviest of the songs both lyrically and musically. With lines going “watching you go through this is killing me, when I try to help I only make it worse”. The sheer desperation of the situation along with the feeling of being useless. This is not only powerful but for anyone who has dealt with serious health issues in a family, a release of those emotions. The chorus is again excellent (and a bit of an earworm) asking that he might “find solutions before you are gone”.
The final song “Tell Me How It Ends” has quite a groovy prominent bass line at the start and in the middle of the track. I like the use of the backing vocals as a counterpoint to the main voice. The vocal has a sense of longing or sadness. And again has a hint of Ricky Warwick (I mean this as a compliment as I love his voice). Another anthemic piece that should have folks swaying their hands back and forth live!
Four songs of power, passion and melody showcasing the band’s ability to write great songs that tug at the heart whilst kicking your arse! Do yourselves a favour and check this EP out and if you get the chance go and see them live. You will not be disappointed that is for definite!
The EP releases on March 1! With an EP launch night to be held on March 14 at Bannerman’s Bar which should be a great night. The band are also booked up for the Red Crust Festival at La Belle Angelle in May. And Wildfire Festival in Wanlockhead at the end of June. They are on the road in May so check them out at any of these…
14 May Gullivers Manchester
15 May The Station Manchester
16 May The Charles Bradlaugh Northampton
17 May Our Black Heart London
Out on March 01, 2020
BUY: AMAZON.com / AMAZON.co.uk / Bandcamp
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[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNKvRLvmfSY[/embedyt]
