Surfing the Crimson Wave
The Crimson Star release their second EP No Ordinary Love that leaves you begging for more at the conclusion of the three track affair. The debut EP, New Road drew some comments about the quality of the recording, thankfully this has been addressed with the new release to a standard you would expect at this level, a little rough around the edges but at a level which kind of adds to the charm.
The album cover sees 12 separate heart images, all created by fans and put together by the band. This may not go hand in hand with the image you would expect from a hard rock band but certainly one the fans have appreciated.
Opening with the title track with its pounding rhythm that just dares you not to want to tap your foot, nod your head. You'll fail, it's just too addictive not to. The acoustic opening of Coercion hints that the music will move into another direction but it soon kicks back into the rocking style we have come to expect and with the chorus containing this dreamy feel about it, it is certainly a track with many layers.
Despite the title, A Darker Shade, is the more upbeat and faster of the trio of tracks on offer with it definitely having more of a party feel to it. Finishing off the EP with a guitar solo kind of sums up the band, they will do things their way.
Musically, the tracks show The Crimson Star are one talented bunch. The fast paced key and tempo changes would not be out of place on a more established 'legendary' band's album. Too many recordings are over produced, this is most definitely not one of them - you have a real sense you are there watching the band play some small intimate venue as the music pumps out of the stereo speakers or headphones.