Red Rum Club’s latest offering, ‘Western Approaches‘, is a testament to the band’s growth and exploration of their musical boundaries. With 11 tracks filled with open-hearted, observational poetry and infectious melodies, this album is a journey that moves feet, minds, and hearts.
From the outset, the band sets the tone with ‘Afternoon’, an upbeat bop that captures the hazy limbo between night and day experienced during their time in Austin, Texas. It’s a bass-heavy, riffy pop number that immediately grabs your attention and sets the stage for what’s to come.
The album’s title, ‘Western Approaches‘, nods to the band’s hometown of Liverpool and its historic connections to the wider world. It’s a fitting choice for an album that sees Red Rum Club embracing their borderless, genre-hopping songwriting style.
Working with producer Rich Turvey, known for his work with acts like Blossoms and The Coral, the band delivers a collection of gritty, burnished songs that draw inspiration from Liverpool’s industrial past. Tracks like ‘Hole In My Home’ and ‘Black Cat’ showcase the band’s ability to blend brooding atmospheres with catchy hooks.
One of the album’s highlights is ‘Undertaker’, a vividly cinematic track that defies its morbid title with its infectious energy and melody-rich arrangement. Meanwhile, ‘Godless’ brings a touch of drama to the table with its Dick Dale and Ennio Morricone-inspired twang.
Throughout ‘Western Approaches‘, Red Rum Club demonstrates their growth as both musicians and storytellers. Lead vocalist Francis Doran’s lyrics are both introspective and relatable, offering glimpses into the lives of socially-active twenty-somethings navigating the complexities of modern life.
Overall, ‘Western Approaches‘ is a triumph for Red Rum Club. It’s an album that showcases their versatility and ambition while staying true to the infectious energy and charm that has endeared them to fans around the world. With its memorable melodies and evocative storytelling, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners long after the final track fades away.
