Every now and then a new band comes along to stir things up in the modern rock catalog. Now, it's Candlelight Red.It's not everyday that a new band comes along and gives you a swift kick in the arse, and there's a certain satisfaction that occurs. As you may know, I'm always on the lookout for a killer new band to blow me away, and the latest discovery is called Candelight Red. They're right out of the Buzz Rock handbook, but with more of an edge.
Sounding a bit like a cross between Papa Roach/Linkin Park/Bush, their debut record The Wreckage, is 10-track (if you count the intro) modern rock marvel. The songs are well-written and very memorable. Take the strongest aspects of each of the aforementioned bands, mix them together, and you get Candelight Red.
For the most part, the CD is basic modern rock (with an edge), but on the track Medicated the band explores their heavier side. This song is an uptempo rocker that is more in line with bands like Bullet for My Valentine and In Flames than the ones mentioned previously. I gotta say I loved the other parts of the CD, but this track sent me over the top. They may excel as a modern rock band, but they just explode when they heavy things up. One last note, I have to mention that the band covered 80s pop rockers Roxette's She's Got the Look and just killed it. I never thought I would hear that one on a hard rock/metal record. Ballsy, and I like it. A killer release.
Bottom Line: New rockers mixing it up a bit and creating a solid debut. A new band with a lot of promise. Solid tunes that will stay in your head for days.
Standout Tracks: The Dirt, Closer, She's Got the Look and Medicated
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