Five misfits. One goal. To remind the world the true meaning
of rock and roll.
They’ve got the leather.
They’ve got attitude. But most importantly they heart and determination
to take it the whole way.
 |
| Left to Right: JC Charles; Ray Miller; Bret Von Dehl; Alex Foxx; Brandon Kile. |
Now The Relapse Symphony are no strangers to Rebel Yell,
instead we have been following their journey since day one. After being
together for little over two years now the band have released their debut album
“Shadows”, following their 2012 EP “Times Running Out”. However, before
today’s release the band tormented their fans with the gradual sharing of four
singles taken directly off the album: We
Are the Broken; One More Yesterday;
Savage Eyes and Forever Slowly. I can safely inform you that these chosen few did
not satisfy fans in a calming sense; it simply left them hungry for more. This
teasing of the Relapse Rebels with various count downs and singles arguably
prepared them for the bands supporting role in the Dead Rabbits tour (currently
in the States), though on the other hand continued to wet their appetite for
long awaited album.
And now here it is.
Are you ready for this?
Disclaimer: if your mind
is fragile to the sheer magnitude of the awesomeness of true rock and roll
approach with caution, as this album is sure to blow it to pieces (in a good
way of course!).
Track One: Embrace the Darkness
“Shadows” opens
with a one and a half minute instrumental that provokes anticipation for the
remainder of the album to rise to chaotic degrees. Remember that tension? The
escalating urgency that the countdowns brought? Well that is sufficiently
reflected within this. The gradual crescendo causes the listeners’ heartbeat to
rise, their breathing to become irregular and shallow. So I repeat…are you
ready for what is about to erupt?
Track Two: We Are the Broken
Embrace the Darkness’ simple;
elegant yet haunting melody is completely juxtaposed by the scream that begins
“We Are the Broken”. Being the first
single off of “Shadows” the song
perhaps acts as the anthem for The Relapse Symphony, capturing an essence that unites
them and their Rebels; for instance through the continuous refrain of “We Are! We Are!”. Throughout this song
we see a side of JC Charles that has get to be seen whilst being introduced to
the latest member Ray Miller, their astounding guitar interludes and solos
maintain the heavier, punk element of the band throughout the entire album,
arguable this song acts as its catalyst. Personally, my favourite part of the
song is the somewhat calmer, catchy middle eight, in which Bret Von Dehl sings “Paint these hearts in starlight and smoke,
we won’t back down, we are the broken” as it is an unexpected detour that
works incredible well with the rock and roll attitude they emit. What’s more,
it could be suggested that this particular song combines the two key aspects of
the genre; not giving a damn, but also the side of which many forget – the fun
of the freedom of rock.
Track Three: Battlefield of Lies
Once again, the two guitarists dominate in a subtle way,
carrying the song forward and although decrescendo as Bret’s vocal enters,
still manage to uphold a captivating influence without being overly obvious or
distasteful. Instead this band seems to understand that all instruments are to
carry their own weight rather than out rank each other. Interestingly Brandon
Kile’s bass line begins restrained, however in the second verse enhances the
raw edge that The Relapse Symphony seemingly strive for. Battlefield of Lies merges simply the grit of rock, the edge of
punk, the hook of mild glam with the haunting ambiance emphasised by electronic
in one of the most effective manners I have personally heard in a long while.
Alex Foxx sets his name in stone on the drums, reassuring any doubt anyone had
when announced that he was to transfer from guitar to the kit; again Foxx
illustrates how every individual drum and cymbal are to be used to create an
amazing blend within a song without being too domineering; and reinstating how
sticking just to the snare and hi-hat isn’t always the best option.
Track Four: One More Yesterday
When hearing this single for the first time my heart
stopped. The sheer emotion embedded in these lyrics is overwhelming, and have
the ability to knock all breath out of their listener. Upon its release JC
Charles tweeted to fans that this song was particularly personal to him; and
trust me you can see why. Everyone has wished to redo a day, or just for a few
more seconds, but the separation from a loved one is perhaps the most
agonising, whether through literally distance or through death. The chorus lyrics
“You’re not breathing, I’m not sleeping,
I walk this world alone. I’ve been screaming, hands and knees and now you’ll
never know. I don’t care what tomorrow hold, I’ll give this ground my broken
bones, for just one more yesterday with you” reinforce a feeling of
isolation, but rather an isolation caused by love rather than hate. However,
this isn’t a typical ballad format, instead the band continue with their rock
agenda, perhaps illustrating frustration at this loss? Yet this song speaks for
itself and doesn’t particularly deserve the inefficient analysis that would
degrade its true intention. Listen to it. You will see exactly what I mean. And
you will fall in love with the song on first listen.
Track Five: Make Your Move
Now you cannot imagine the excitement I beheld when I heard
this next song. The Relapse Symphony refuse to forget where they have come from
which is something most rock stars, or any celebrity, forget along the road to
fame. Make Your Move was one of the
first songs ever to be released by the band back in 2012 and clearly reflects
the evolution of the band. The song as been rerecorded from the edition that
appears on the their EP (unless my ears are mistake!) capturing Alex on drums
and Ray on guitar. Located pretty much in the middle of the album, this pop
punkish track breaks the more seriously undertones of the previous; again
recreating the idea that rock and roll also establishes the ‘carefree’, ‘fun’
emblem. The song embodies the past, present and future of the band; and how a
band can continue to rise above their former selves, live the dream they placed
high upon a pedestal, and still manage to be humble and remember who they
really are.
Okay even I’ll admit that got a bit deep...even for me!
Track Six: Savage Eyes
Following Make Your
Move, Savage Eyes documents an infatuation of a less innocent soul. A dark
obsession with someone equally as dark. Perhaps a bittersweet romance? Or an
addiction? Who knows what goes through their minds as they write? But all I
know for sure is that all the energy that is radiated from that song is
tremendous, you can’t help but imagine a crowd of people completely letting go
during the live set of this song. Alex’s beats play strong and hard throughout
the entire track, successfully reflecting the power and grit of the songs
concept. Brandon’s rhythm mimicking the urgency suitably complimented by JC and
Ray’s fluency keeping anticipation close to peak level.
Track Seven: Walls
Walls…Walls…Walls…this
has to be one of my favourites off of “Shadows”,
feeling like an appropriate merging of Relapse’s earlier sound revolving around
tracks such as the original Make Your
Move and Other Side of Town, and
the new grittier tone of We Are the
Broken and Forever Slowly. Unlike
other previous Relapse Symphony tracks, Alex begins the song with a punk
rock-ish fill that sets the ambiance for the rest of the song. Now I found
Bret’s vocals during the verses to remind me of a young Billy Idol during his
Generation X era or The Misfits’ Glenn Danzig; here he definitely demonstrations
the strength of punks influence however Von Dehl’s more melodic vocal line adds
his own twist. The chorus is by far the most memorable melody line, that can’t
help but get lodged into your mind, whether you like it or not…but trust me
you’ll like it! All three guitarists keep things simple, effectively
contradicting the heavier, darker tendencies enhanced in songs such as Savage Eyes.
Track Eight: Angels Take Us Demons Save Us
Despite it’s name, Angels
Take Us Demons Save Us the band again follow the entwined roads of rock ‘n’
roll and punk rock. Lyrics themselves demonstrate the bands heavier influences
with lines such as “the bodies hit the
ground, the sky is falling down, but I am in the twilight safe with you, while
guarded angels sleep, the demons are running free, but I am in the twilight
safe with you, a shallow grave for two.” Followed by a humorous, sadist yet
subtle laugh that gives the song that extra edge. Now I know I’ve pretty much
said all these songs have been my favourite, but Angels Take Us Demons Save Us is definitely in the top three for
me. The song continues on the punk rock principle, almost making it strangely
adaptable for something such as a Tim Burton film, nevertheless the track takes
an unexpected…yet expected (if that makes any sense!)…Turn during the last
thirty seconds, its as if hell has broke loose in the bands “shallow grave” with Von Dehl screaming
vocals, Foxx’s pounding beat, Kile’s authoritative bass, Charles’ and Miller’s
shattering licks.
Track Nine: The Ghost That Got Away
The Ghost That Got
Away continues the shadier ambiance left from Angels Take Us Demons Save Us; Foxx’s steady yet compelling blends
perfectly with Charles’ and Miller’s enthralling sections. Mr. Bret Von Dehl
vocals do not for one-minute abandon their mesmerising qualities, instead
remain just as captivating as when the record began; though it appears in this
chosen track Von Dehl returns to a more raw format, allowing his vocals to be
controlled with the necessary emotion that carries their lyrics to the next
level. The guitar stabs within the chorus magnify the true grit that comes with
a rock and roll dedication, what’s more, combined with Von Dehl’s harsh whisper
following the second chorus, The Relapse Symphony remind not only their fans,
but the world of the original identity of rock. Listening to the last few
seconds of the track the listener will be completely mind blown by the ability
both guitarist possess…let’s be honest this whole band is stained with talent
and determination beyond anything imaginable.
Track Ten: Forever Slowly
Forever Slowly…I
maybe wrong here so don’t shoot me! But I would say this is the chosen
ballad…or close to…of the album. Similar
to Savage Eyes the song perhaps
explores a darker love, through the lines “maybe
you were toxic from the start, maybe I’m a sucker for danger”…maybe these
boys like dangerous lifestyles with dangerous girls. As I write this I am
becoming more and more aware that there aren’t actually many words to describe
this song…it’s one of those track you listen to and you let it completely take
over you. One of those songs that you feel coursing through your veins,
synchronising your heartbeat, controlling your breathing.
So I have one thing to tell you that’s is imperative…go
listen to this song, close your eyes and concentrate on nothing but the music.
Then you’ll see exactly what I mean.
Track Eleven: Shadows
Now for the track that dedicates its name to the album. The
track begins with a crescendo dominated by controlled feedback of a guitar; as
it peaks Foxx and Kile contribute their instruments; yet it is Foxx who
arguable carries this song, but as I said before each member pulls their weight
effectively. JC’s licks between and within chorus and verse act as charismatic
bridges throughout while Von Dehl regenerates the more haunting undertone of
his melody, allowing the listener to become submerged in the lyrics. Something
about this song that makes listener connect on certain levels; the backing
chant so subtly used in the closing seconds add that extra insistence as the
listener is left with the single note on the guitar to close the album.
All in all this album was definitely worth the wait. The
boy’s debut album will ensure them a place in the spotlight next to bands such
as Black Veil Brides, Escape The Fate, and possibly in the future The Misfits,
Sex Pistols and the Ramones.
Seeing how this band has developed and evolved makes people
see how rock and roll never died with the eighties, or how punk is not dead
period. This quintet are pathing the way for future pioneers, and you know
what? I absolutely love this album and this band, who continue to surprise me.
Not only do I look forward to their next album, but I also am awaiting a UK
tour (hint hint boys!). from what I can see they are gradually making it in the
states with their tours, now it’s time to show Europe and the UK what their
missing out on!
Purchase “Shadows” on
their merch site: http://merchnow.com/catalogs/the-relapse-symphony
Or on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/shadows/id875867215
Find a fault in it. I dare you.
Oh wait you can’t!
Until next time…
Rebel Yell
