Released: 25th January 2019
Rating: ★★★★
It’s been almost five years since Blood Red Shoes released their last full-length, but new album ‘Get Tragic’ dispels all myths that the duo were finished.
The record sees an expanded library of sounds from Laura-Mary Carter and Steven Ansell along with collaborations from some unexpected faces. Songs like ‘Howl’ and ‘Bangsar’ are tighter and more polished than their previous work but still maintain that core that makes Blood Red Shoes so good whereas ‘Nearer’ featuring Brighton group The Wytches sees the duo embrace an unexpected yet quality vibe.
The album’s high point comes with ‘Find My Own Remorse’ which sees the band embrace their electronic side with help from producer Clarence Clarity to great effect; indeed Ansell’s vocals tie everything together on this track over fragmented percussion, swelling synths, and Carter’s comforting guitar. Overall, it is an excellent comeback that sees them explore new territory while keeping what made their earlier records so engaging.
Josh Williams