Album Review: Blood Red Shoes In Time To Voices

Brighton-based punk-rock du Blood Red Shoes are back with a more grown-up third album, a new fan base and international recognition thanks to a strong summer festival circuit and lengthy world tour. In Time To Voices, the latest output from Laura-Mary Carter and Steven Ansell, was recorded in Liverpool, England with long-term co-producer Mike Crossey (Arctic Monkeys, Foals, Tribes) and has a more ambitious sound than previous efforts, building on their punk rock roots with a heavier, rockier leaning and stronger musical prowess.

The opener and title track propels Carter's seamless vocals in a transition from sultry, raspy verse through a driving guitar build to a powerful rocky chorus where she demands “Closer, closer, feeling the hunger/How long, how long, 'til I feel stronger?” First single to be released off the album, Cold, is a strong contender with a fat, heavy rock chorus that has the makings of a future anthem. It's followed by a collection of more chilled out tracks including the calming Two Dead Minutes and Night Light, which show a new, softer and more complex side to the band. The Silence & The Drones is a stand out track, starting gently with simple strumming guitar and hauntingly melancholy lyrics before it crescendos into a satisfyingly thrashing chorus. Je Me Perds is an interestingly punchy punk-rock interlude (all 1.28 minutes of it) that is a nod back to the band's roots, however it seems a little out of place in this more rounded collection of tracks.

In Time To Voices is an undeniably impressive album for a two-piece who have come a long way since their debut in 2008, and are showing great signs of a musical coming-of-age.