LOVE IS RED “The Hardest Fight”
Stillborn Records has never had a problem attracting bands to its roster, given the credentials of who is behind the label, but what manages to impress me the most about this label is their ability to select out some real “diamonds in the rough” among the hardcore masses. One of the label’s best signings of late is the subject of this review, LOVE IS RED. With an impressive full-length released on Recorse Records nearly three years ago, LOVE IS RED has taken the time in between to reorganize its metallic hardcore sound into something that truly resonates with emotions as it blasts through my speakers. Fundamentally speaking, LOVE IS RED remind me a lot of Boston’s former greats, REACH THE SKY, with a style that places a lot of emphasis on speed and thick, crunchy guitars. “The Hardest Fight” is a bit more diverse than the aforementioned, however, as LOVE IS RED also draw in some CAVE IN, “Jupiter” era, influences, and in their heaviest moments, the temperment and control of STRETCH ARMSTRONG. The melodic, well-sung (commanded?), sometimes shouted, lead vocals are the centerpiece to LOVE IS RED’s sound, and that uncommon element helps these guys tear away from the incoherent set. Lyrically, “The Hardest Fight” covers may personal topics that play an important role of those who land themselves within the hardcore community – grappling with religion, confronting insecurity, alcoholism, and in general, being sure to carve out some sort of positive outlook when possible. Of the ten tracks on here, two in particularly leave me practically speechless – the third track, “Said and Done,” and the SILENT MAJORITY-like eight song, “Say Goodbye,” which also features the guest female vocals of Alison Holder. The recording quality on “The Hardest Fight” is amazing, and in a way that doesn’t compare it to an overcompressed major label recording job. I hadn’t previously heard of Jason Elgin, or Synchromesh Studios, but I’m on notice now! Lastly, the artwork, especially the cover to the insert booklet, is beautiful, courtesy of the stock-rising, Rob Dobi. Intelligent, passionate, and musically gripping hardcore is never an unwelcome guest to these ears, and LOVE IS RED now have two excellent full-lengths to their name.
Stillborn
