It’s always worrying when a band gets all radical and announces their next release will throw away the book, burn it, stamp on it and never look at it again. So when Laura-Mary, one half of Brighton alternative-rock duo Blood Red Shoes more or less announced this in anticipation of their third studio album In Time To Voices, there was a unanimous cry of, “But what about the drums? What about the impassioned vocals? What about the high adrenalin live shows?”
In reality, it’s not that different. This album is more polished, yes, and there is a conscious effort of toning down the once rough-edged vocals and grandiose drum patterns to create a more sensory and deliberate sound; but the ballsy essence is still there, with initial tracks “In Time to Voices” and “Lost Kids” slipping into thankful drum crescendos. Stripped back “Night Light” lures you into a false sense of security with its slow pace and lilting vocals, until, after a few moments of deliberate silence, “Je Me Perds” kicks in with its brash drums, heavy guitar and ironic cries of “What the fuck am I doing here?” It’s all a bit taunting, leaving you, as the album reverts back to its gentle strumming and echo-y vocals, with an ache for more of the same old. In Time To Voices is an ambitious effort, one that clings onto the duo’s punk heritage whilst simultaneously taking a brave and commendable attempt at something new. A leopard cannot change its spots. This one’s simply rearranged them.
MP3 Stream: “Je Me Perds“
