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Red is among the few bands out there (even more so in the Christian music) that generate a sound
that mixes orchestrated sounds and hard rock. The first time I heard their debut album, I knew this band was going places.
Months later, "Breathe Into Me" was being played consistently on mainstream radio. Close to three years later, Red brings us
their next chapter, Innocence & Instinct.
Original fans will feel right at home with first track, "Fight Inside," as it flows a lot like "Already Over" from
End of Silence. The song basically covers our struggle with making decisions. "Death of Me" is one of the least
memorable tracks found on the album. It's not a bad song by any means; it just doesn't have any hooks or lyrics that seem to
stick. The album seems to really start moving once the third track, "Mystery of You," emerges with a really strong intro.
"Start Again" gives the listener hope and lets them know that God is there to give us another chance,
"what if I let you in/ what if I make it right/ what if I give it up/ what I want to try/ what if you take a chance/ what if I
learn to love/ what if we start again."
"Never Be the Same" has radio airplay success written all over it as it is the softest track found on the album while
also being very easy to get into the chorus. "Confession" sounds like a tune that could accommodate a Playstation 3
commercial with its aggressive sound and in-your-face vocals from Mike Barnes. Lyrically, the song focuses on how someone wants
to change their life for the better: "I'm on the edge/ I don't know how/ I can't escape this nightmare/ I confess- I'm always
afraid/ I'm always ashamed of what's inside me/ I confess- I'm always afraid/ I'm always ashamed of what's inside my head/ take
this away." "Shadows" is one of the highlight tracks on the album and may remind the listener of Linkin Park's
"Breaking a Habit" before evolving into its chorus. And while some people don't like cover songs. I, on the other hand,
welcome new renditions if done right, and Red's cover of "Ordinary World" by Duran Duran is a great example. Red saves
two of the best tracks for the end of the album. "Out From Under" displays intense music accompanied by Barnes'
vocals filled with intense emotion. This is easily the best song on the album. The closer, "Take It All Away," is a complete departure
from the rest of the album as it is a very haunting track that surprises the listener towards the end as Mike Barnes shouts
the line: "You take away." This is a perfect example of how a song can be simplistic, yet great at the same time.
A sophomore album is always the ultimate test for any band who presents three possible scenarios: can any
improvements be accomplished in the second album, will it be as satisfactory as the first album, or will it give the band a
chance to redeem themselves. Red has evolved and succeeded in bringing listeners an album that should impress fans and newcomers
alike.
- PReview date: 11/22/08, Review date: 2/7/09, written by Wayne Myatt
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Red's highly anticipated sophomore release Innocence & Instinct has finally arrived.
The album opens with "Fight Inside" and "Death Of Me," which are solid rock tunes that speak on the waging war within
our bodies and souls. These two songs (along with a few others)
display the new found vocal and musical edge that Red has acquired since their last release. Not screamo in the slightest,
but they take a small step toward the harder side of rock music.
As always, Red shows off a few ballad/worship style tracks with "Mystery Of You," "Start Again," and "Never Be The Same,"
which are a nice touch and remind fans what the band's focus is throughout the album. Red does a cover of Duran Duran's
"Ordinary World" nicely, while "Out From Under" blends harder vocals with an orchestral background – vintage Red.
Closing the album is "Take It All Away," which is perhaps the best music that I have ever heard from the band.
It is reminiscent of "Pieces" from their first release, and the blend of soft strings, ballad drumming, and piano keys laid
over lyrics asking God to take away the pain in our lives makes for a most beautiful track.
My only complaint would be the length of the album, which consists of only ten tracks, which is a little short.
That being said, they are ten very solid tracks. I like the slightly harder edge and the focus on needing Christ in our lives.
Innocence & Instinct will be in my player for a long time.
- Kevin Hoskins
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Record Label: Essential Records
