Album Review: Flood of Red - Leaving Everything Behind

From the British alternative music hotbed of Scotland comes Flood of Red and their debut full-length ' Leaving Everything Behind'. 14 songs of melodic post-hardcore and nicely slides in with 'The Edge Of The World (Prelude)', a calm, somewhat slick intro track and is beautifully led by Jordan Spiers' soothing tongue with a slight Scottish twist.

The album then kicks into gear with tracks like 'The Harmony'; that sounds remarkably like Anthony Green-era Saosin, and 'A Place Before The End' with its subtle haunting tone that adds another element to the bands sound.

Thankfully the band avoid becoming repetitive quickly as 'Like Elephants' is well-structured at a nice, steady pace that leaves hooked. This is backed up with sweeping guitars that slide in and out subtly. Add to this Spiers' heartaching vocals and the track quickly becomes a highlight of the record.

Elsewhere 'Little Lovers' makes use of the bands slightly experimental side, with twining guitars leading up to a huge chorus; with thumping drums adding to the grand sound of the track. 'I Will Not Change' is captivating with guitar effects and smooth vocals. By this point you realise Spiers' soft Scottish tongue strongly compliments the bands robust musical approach, which on the whole leaves you satisfied.

'Losing All Balance In Fellis Point' is beautiful and haunting with soft guitars twinkling from a far, as drums pound there way through and try to distract from the track's feeling of complete bliss. Lyrically it is striking as Spiers' tells of his yearning to leave home. Whereas recent single, 'Home, Run (1997)' is strangely placed towards the albums later stages, as I feel the track would be suitable earlier as its mix of upbeat tempo and cinematic production sets the tone for the album. Nevertheless on its own it remains favourable.

Any pre-conceptions you may have of Flood of Red being just 'another British post-hardcore band' should definitely be thrown out the window, as the sextet have crafted a record that is structured well, with subtle characteristics throughout. It is a record that is layered and has a warm sound that adds character to the bands sound. In addition to this Brian McTernan's production work should especially be credited for this, along with the band together they have a record that flows nicely. Although there are a few tracks that aren't worth mentioning here, not because they are bad but because the bands ideas are, to an extent, recycled.

The downfall of the record is it's lack of variety and it's length. Flood of Red have been ambitious and they have no reason not to be. Musically and lyrically it works but for some 14 songs is a bit intimidating. However when it is played as a whole, 'Leaving Everything Behind' is a captivating records that deserves all the praise it gets.

4/5

'Leaving Everything Behind' by Flood of Red is released on October 19th on Dark City

Flood of Red: Official Site

Sean Reid