Red or Dead have a new 4 track EP “Plugged” out imminently
They have ramped things up a few notches with this release. Robin Murray’s love of The Clash shines through on these 4 tracks of punk influenced rock ‘n’ roll. The Clash aren’t the only punk influence on show here with elements of X-Ray Spex apparent on a couple of tracks.
One of these is Decontrol, the opening track on the EP. The track references several punk songs (and ideologies) along the way. Remote/Complete Control obviously, with lyrics advocating the many taking back the power form the few, with lyrical nods to songs of The Damned and The Stranglers, smashing things up and pleading that something better change. A powerful opener.
Baby Loves Cocaine
EP highlight for me is the high-octane romp that is Baby Loves Cocaine. From the off the song radiates passion and sounds like Henri Mancini’s theme tune to Peter Gunn on steroids before the saxophone kicks in and Robin launches into the vocals. The song appears as a passionate tribute to the Clash version of Brand New Cadillac. The Peter Gunn-like them throughout paints images of the B52s along with the brashness of The rezillos and the brassiness of X Ray Spex. A gloriously jubilant tune.
With Shared vocals across the four songs, there are striking layers of texture throughout. Love This Land is a lively inspirational number , written on the back of Robin witnessing The Clash live.
Wrong ends the EP with ire and rage. This time with more of a Sex Pistols crossed with Transvision Vamp vibe and venomous distorted vocal as Gala spits out the line “The only thing that’s wrong with me is you”.
The EP is due for release on the 22nd March via various platforms including the bands Bandcamp page. A video for Decontrol is due to drop tonight at 7pm.