Red
Tyger Church
"Free Energy" CD
Alive
Records
Genres: garage rock, blues rock
Alive RecordS
POB 7112
Burbank CA 91510
Jul 19 - 25 2004 |
Red Tyger Church, an energetic rock collective on the Bomp-affiliated
Alive label, definitely have a knack for their genre. Hundreds of records
like this come out every year - filled with acid-fueled guitars and an
almost jam-band approach - but few turn out as well as Free Energy.
RTC are particularly earnest in their sound; they don't shy away
from quality melodies - like Bob Stinson's Static Taxi
project, the success of this band relies on its unwavering
accessibility. The standout songs on Free Energy are those with the most
successful melodies. "Cat People," for example,
combines garage rock power with blissful, pretty choruses and an
almost shoegazer-esque attention to fuzz. The female vocals set
the band apart from most of their genremates - in good way. The minor-key "A Strawberry Slowdown" is also
extremely impressive, recalling a melodic style somewhat akin to that
of mid-90s alternative rock - but with a different type of song
structure. Although there are a few lesser moments (bland
"Cherry Cola," out-of-place "Welcome"), they are
made up for by impressive tunes like the bluesy rocker "Angie
Vampyre" and the too-short "Tears by the Pond."
Pure Energy is an exceptional rock album. It's garage
rock essence is rough around the edges, and often the recording style
is purposefully lo-fi, but that all adds to the music's overall sound
and texture.
86%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 11 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2004] |