Words by Audrey Gerrard
Red Sea are an emerging heavy melodic band from Sydney, Australia.
Recently, off the back of their debut EP and some [epically fun] touring, this exciting four-piece have been igniting the curiosity of heavy music fans across the country. Luckily for us, during the trials of the pandemic, they’ve taken the opportunity to release their second EP, Sanguine, and it’s a rollercoaster journey of from searing, soul-burning clean vocals to hard-rocking attitude.
Opening with the straight-up, no-nonsense heavy rocking riffs of “The Score”, Red Sea explore the impact of the #metoo movement in a dazzling opening display of Erica Bowron‘s smooth but emotion-laden clean vocals.
Red Sea demonstrate some tight songwriting capacity, particularly on tracks like “The One” which seamlessly blends chunky guitars with tough bass runs and sultry, vocals, in a satisfyingly passionate song. It’s got a kind of sweet message too.
Showing their diversity, Red Sea offer a softer ballad in “Hopelessly”, which is moody with a dusky atmosphere and delicate melody lines. It does lean towards perhaps needing some stronger blues influence to give it some more bite but as it is, it is a solid track.
Kicking up the energy again with an angrier vibe, “Shadow of Man” works with some playful pinch harmonics, heavier riffs and invigorating rhythmic patterns to make the strongest track on the album.
Closing with the bouncy crowd-pleaser “Burn It Down”, Sanguine showcases the strengths of Red Sea and announces their promise as one of Australia’s most captivating live acts.
Sanguine is an encouraging EP from a band with tonnes of energy and character [and it’s always great to see female-fronted bands]. It’s packed with an excellent combination of melodic vocals and full-bodied riffs, good variation on dynamics and offers a commendable variety of sounds from heavy rocking to angry and heartfelt.
Listen/stream/buy Sanguine here
