Red Remedy – Oblivion 2011

RED REMEDY is a hard rock group from Sydney, comprising vocalist/guitarist Zach Evans, guitarist Leigh Czerwonka, bassist Adrian Booth and drummer Jess Rossiter.  

Oblivion is their debut release so they have obviously spent some time getting the formula of the band right for this eight track EP given they formed in late 2008.  They toured extensively throughout the following years and in 2010 with ex-JERK drummer Lamar Lowder on board as producer, knuckled down in the studio and put forward a solid debut effort full of heavy guitar riffs, angry vocals, thumping drums and rocking bass undertones.

The opening track Am I Coming Around brings a dark, punchy start to the album and showcases the various band members’ sharpened talents.  It leads straight into Sinned For, which has a similar hard-hitting sound to track one with howling guitars and a melodic vibe.  I actually didn’t realise it had moved into another song until I checked the track list as both songs are quite similar heavy guitar driven tracks.  One to Blameseparates itself next with a strong bass line at the beginning of the track that draws you in.  Take It keeps the pace of the EP moving along at a cracking tempo.

The fifth track is the slower paced Whipping Boy, which has a restrained vibe to it.  There is a strong bass undercurrent in the track and the vocals are strong, but it seems a bit out of place.  Maybe they felt they should include a ballad-style song on the EP for good measure.  Zach Evan’s vocals have an air of tension and frustration in his annunciation but this track just doesn’t quite cut it for me compared to other tracks.

The sixth and seventh tracks of the EP are Temporary Beings andTunnel Vision, which include some driving drums and wailing vocals.  Tunnel Vision in particular has some ballsy vocals from Evans throughout.

The closing track The Fray is the definite standout track on the album.  The vocals are pushed and it has a higher level of intensity and took me on more of a journey into the lyrics than any of the other tracks.  There is also a DVD of this single included with the EP.

While several of the tracks sounded very similar, this is certainly an EP that could generate a lot of interest for the currently unsigned band.  There is an air of confidence and assertion that I am sure would translate into awesome live performances.  If love a rockin’ guitar then definitely seek them out over the coming months as they support bands such as ENGINE THREE SEVEN and FLOATING ME.