Album Review: The Red Paintings - The Revolution Is Never Coming

30 May 2013 | 12:22 pm | Renee Jones

There is no other word to describe the sheer majestic, dynamic, out of this world orchestral sound and nature of this Brisbane quintet.

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Fans of Brisbane orchestral art-rockers The Red Paintings may have expected the album's name to read, “The Debut Album is Never Coming”, after the five-year production of the album. But thankfully The Revolution Is Never Coming has reached our little hands, and it does not disappoint. There were setbacks in finances and personal well being, and songwriter/producer Trash McSweeny notes, “Most people create an album around a life, I created a life around an album.” The first noticeable difference between the album and the previous four EP releases by the band is the shift in focus from just the incredible orchestral sound, to a heavier, more up-tempo sound, with the orchestral influence integrating to make each song stronger. A 35-piece orchestra and 22-piece choir in collaboration with the usual five-piece lineup and McSweeny's innovative and ambitious mind work wonders for this album.

It's hard to not be sucked in by the melodic, mesmerizing arrangement of each song, with their haunting, evocative lyrics ranging from political to social themes, to personal discovery and development. The album begins with Vampires Are Chasing Me, which features electronic percussion, teamed with McSweeny's melodic vocals and a perfect harmony with a female vocalist. Mid way through the album is Streets Fell Into My Window, originally featured on the Walls EP. Beginning with a deranged and maniacal voice reading from Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, the song builds with heavy percussion and McSweeny's vocals climbing with intensity.

The Red Paintings and their debut album The Revolution Is Never Coming is phenomenal. There is no other word to describe the sheer majestic, dynamic, out of this world orchestral sound and nature of this Brisbane quintet.