Blood Red Shoes

Hot on the trail of their third LP release at the start of last year, Blood Red Shoes have returned with new material in the form of EP 'The Water'. This Brighton duo have promised 'the most out-and-out rock riffs we've ever written' with these three tracks and from the very first listen, it's plain to see they weren't lying. 

'Red River' storms in with aggressive riffs and determined drum beats and these are sustained at a heady pace for the three minute duration. The snarling guitar compliments yet contrasts perfectly with the vocals, with the heavier style highlighting joint-lead singer Laura-Mary Carter's harmonic tones. The riffs that open 'Black Distractions' could easily be mistaken for a Band of Skulls track, and when Steven Ansell joins in for vocal duties, the male-female shared vocals merely stands to affirm this comparison. However, this is where any similarities end as the overall sound is far dirtier and grungier. The short verses and instrumental bridges lead into extended choruses as the song is surged through with abrasive determination. Final track 'Idle Hands' has them displaying anything but, as the duo are hard at work thrashing out frenetic riffs and steadfast vocals. The pace is unrelenting and, even when the roar of guitars starts to fade out and you think the pair is taking a well-earned breather, they propel themselves back in, with even greater fervor and intensity than previously. 

And as vehemently as it began, 'The Water' has run through before you know it. However, it's not without leaving its mark and this EP is a brilliant taster to Blood Red Shoes' passionate rock-driven sound. A previous fan or not, these three tracks will certainly leave you thirsty for more.

Continue reading: Blood Red Shoes - The Water EP Review

As 9 o'clock draws ever nearer, the crowd push ever closer to the front as the last few songs play over the stereo, a stage with a red backdrop, vintage television and lights scattered across the stage in-between amps and the drum kit starts to light up with a distinct red glow across it. The anticipation for Laura-Mary Carter and Steven Ansell to enter the stage grows with each passing second; once the sound of static from the TV increases more and more and the lights drop even further down the crowd know exactly what's coming next.

Continue reading: Blood Red Shoes, The Cockpit, Leeds 12/5/2012 Live Review

The first time I ever came across Blood Red Shoes was way back in 2007 when they toured alongside Maximo Park and whilst Maximo Park have vanished from my iPod since then, Blood Red Shoes are as ever present as they were as soon as I could download their existing material. Since then the boy/girl duo of Steven Ansell and Laura-Mary Carter have reached modest trans-Atlantic recognition, most notably with their inclusion on the Scott Pilgrim vs. the World soundtrack. Teaming up with co-producer and long-time friend Mike Crossey the duo have promised a much bolder and "ambitious" (according to Carter) release this time.

Continue reading: Blood Red Shoes, In Time To Voices Album Review

Brighton-based band Blood Red Shoes have been working very hard recently. Already having released two albums, and toured over 12 countries, their real breakthrough was in 2008 with their debut album Box of Secrets. Light it up is the debut single off their second album, Fire Like this, and whilst having an energetic rift, the track fails to light anything up really.

Continue reading: Blood Red Shoes, Light It Up Single Review