by aura
Liverpudlian ensemble Red Rum Club released their fourth studio album this past Friday, February 23. It’s a highly-anticipated body of work that promised (per early singles) to be just as unique as their previous releases. The album title references the history and relevance of Liverpool during WW2, and it also sets the scene for the album.
Kicking off with a 36-second intro of morse code and war-like background noises, we’re then dropped into ‘Godless’, a song that comes as a call to arms, set in an accelerated marching band beat with a touch of western soundtrack. And of course there’s the almighty use of brass. Could easily fit in one of Kill Bill’s scenes.
Then we move onto the single ‘Black Cat’, very film noir evoking. With its dry drums, heavy brass and punching bass is an inescapable song that will have you moving along its intriguing sound.
‘Afternoon’, brings a mellower sound inspired by the band’s time in Texas. It’s a catchy summer ready bop filled with simmering beats.
‘Undertaker’ follows that mellow vibe, reminiscent of 50s and 60s sounds. Catchy as can be, filled with groovy bass and drums, danceable chorus and waves of layered sound. One to listen on repeat for sure.
Next up is ‘Hole In My Home’, which picks up on the band’s more “classic” sound. Lyrically more self-reflective, the song depicts a morose state of mind with a fun, danceable melody. Airy guitars and bouncy drums invite you into a broken hearted’s musings in the aftermath of love lost.
‘Last Minute’ introduces an acoustic take filled with vulnerability, brought to life with intimate vocals resounding with nostalgia and love. It calls upon the singers’ love to stay until the very end while experiencing life together to the limit. One of the bands’ sweetest songs, in my opinion.
‘Houdini’‘s lyrics and vocal delivery are what stands out the most. The song is very evocative and theatrical. It feels like a short film set in the 1920s, coded in sepia. It reminds me of music my grandmother used to listen to, with some bolero-like melodies, just timeless. Plus, a genius ending.
‘Daisy’ is a banger. Pure feet tapping, head bopping goodness. Rock and roll guitars, catchy chorus with punctuating brass and hooking beats, plus great vocal delivery with a cheeky tone to it. You can’t help but enjoy and smile with this one.
Second to last we have ‘Alive’, a song that comes with darker undertones, and some modern and playful takes in the mixing, with distortion elements that add to the somewhat urgent feeling the song tries to convey.
‘Jigsaw Shores’ offers a great closing statement to an album about love in all its forms, and how the feeling can keep you on your toes. The song is filled with grandeur and theatrical use of effects, grabbing all the emotion previously evoked and sending it crashing like waves on a shore. Hits like a well-deserved release.
An all-around fun and masterful album that’s bound to cement this band’s status as one of the most appealing, interesting and consistent bands in the UK these days. Their well-deserved growth will see them headlining a US tour this year, after they wrap up a stretch of homeland dates with a hometown arena show on April 5. Tour tickets available here.
Update March 1
After a big push by the band and the independent music community that got behind them, Red Rum Club finished their chart race at number 8 in the official UK charts. It’s their first time in the top 10, so massive congrats to the guys!
Indie Dependent 
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