RED HOT SHAME

RED HOT SHAME      “You Can't Make Me”

By Dark Starr

I previously reviewed another set from this act. That one landed more along the lines of space rock, and even proggy zones. This is more mainstream hard rock, but there are roots elements and more at play. It does represent a pretty good cross section of hard rocking music. It’s also quite an effective set, although I think I prefer the other one. 

With a healthy helping of country rock in the mix, “Sophie” has a real drama and style to it. It’s slow moving, and even a little doomy somehow in terms of sound. While “Miserable” still has some roots music in the mix, it’s very much a doom or stoner metal tune. This is so classy. I absolutely love it. There is definitely some metal in the mix on “Unscripted.” It feels more like a punky alternative rock, though. It still has plenty of roots music built into it. 

With “What's Mine” we get a playful and energetic rocker that’s a lot of fun. “Stone” is another hard rocker with some roots music in it. It’s a step down from the last one, but that’s more about the strength of that tune. The riffing and vibe on “Vampire Empire” makes me think of CHEAP TRICK to a good degree. It is a fun, powerhouse number with some definite power-pop angles at play. 

“Better Alone” is a slow tune that has more of a folk rock or singer songwriter vibe to it. Harmonica is a nice touch in the arrangement. Alternative rock, mainstream rock and other things merge on “Give In.” It is an unusual song with some intriguing twists and moods. As poppy as it is in some ways, it also has a dark, twisted angle to it. 

Punky and grungy, “Both” is a hard-edged alternative rocker. A killer hard rocker, “Methodical” has some great hooks and a lot of style and charm. With harmonica in the mix, “I'm Ready For You To Go” is hard-edged and slow moving. It has a lot of blues and country in the mix. The guitar is pretty intense and electrified. More of a power ballad, “You Can't Make Me” has a lot of roots music built into it. It does a nice job of bringing the album down to Earth to end. 

RED HOT SHAME