redshift riders - troubles

Redshift Riders

Troubles
self-released; 2014

3.3 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Redshift Riders started as a Joe Satriani cover band in 2008, which eventually mutated into a metal/hard rock mostly instrumental band who played their own music. The band had a brief remission in 2011 only to resurface in 2014 with a DIY style EP entitled Troubles.

The band recorded, mixed and mastered their own material on consumer gear and it is about what you would expect from a home recording. It’s about average possibly above average for DIY but is still pretty distant from that of a recording done in a professional studio. That being said kudos to the band for attempting this especially since heavy distorted, hard hitting metal/rock can be a disaster when it comes to being DIY.

This is one of those EP’s that doesn’t have a whole lot of hooks or catchy melodies but if your jaw drops at shredding guitar then you won’t want to miss this one. It’s obvious from the first track “Ice 9” why they started off playing Joe Satriani covers. The song is pretty much one long guitar solo that is supported by a rhythm guitar, bass and drums. They even replicate that ‘80s lead sound that Satriani is known for.

The second track “Satch on the beach” is more or less the same guitar gymnastics but the third track “Alligator Farm” contains vocals and a different style. “Alligator Farm” is a nice mix - backdoor biker bar rock and sludge metal. It’s aggressive and relatively catchy. Good stuff.

Arguably the heaviest and most intense song goes to “Troubles.” For its six-plus minutes the band doesn’t hold back. They implement a slew of changes and get into opera rock territory here. The last song that needs to be mentioned is “Minutaggio,” which marries metal and funk bass.

The EP has some solid moments but will be enjoyed most by fans of guitar virtuosos and metal.

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