A little lacking in real catchy tracks, but good for anyone who likes a slice of ballsy Punk Rock shoved in their face.
Redline Messiah is a band from Chicago who call their style "Punk Rock 'n' Roll". Well it's certainly hard and it's most definitely got a Punky "in-your-face" attitude about it.
'Move It On' kicks things off with a thumping bass and drum line. It's brash, bold and rough but I kind of like that. RM don't hold back with their song names either; 'Topless Nazi' dives straight in again, radiating influences of Sleazy Punk Rock. Hollund's coarse, throaty vocals add a beaten charm to the headlong rush of screaming guitars, all adding to the sense that the band is uncontainable, a musical animal scratching to be released.
The first half of the album is definitely stronger; there's lots of focus on heavy guitar – with plenty of shredding to get your teeth into – but the bass sure Funks out in the background as well. 'Pleasure Seeker' sees the rhythm section again take the lead. RM are less about melodies and riffs and more about pure speed and aggression.
'Big Lowdown' and 'Sweet Scrape' are some of the weaker tracks, while 'What U Are' sees the vocals wandering into off-note territory.
'Age Of Us' is a bit lost but packed with energy and aggression. 'Bitch Bag' has a slightly more melodic start but it's not long before the reserved opening is overwhelmed by furious guitar and drums.
'Speed Guru' sticks to its name, finishing the album off in a whirlwind of slicing guitars, relentless rhythm section and near-hoarse vocals.
There's nothing too original about what Redline Messiah are doing – if anything they could do with some more hooks to really get the songs to stick – but the sheer drive of the delivery and the heated fury radiating from it is enough to get anyone worked into a frenzy. A little lacking in real catchy tracks, but good for anyone who likes a slice of ballsy Punk Rock shoved in their face.
Sophie Brownlee
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