Blood Red Shoes – Get Tragic
Get Tragic is a powerful album, raw in its unflinching honesty, experimental in its lyrical and instrumental balances, and deeply moving
Brighton's Blood Red Shoes make their long-awaited return with their fifth studio album Get Tragic, the story of which is long and complex. Both Stephen Ansell (drums and vocals) and Laura-Mary Carter (guitar, vocals, and keys) have spoken openly about the obstacles and trials that led to them creating this fearless, invigorating and uniquely righteous ode to overcoming the difficulties of modern life.
While aspects of the album meet the wondrously balanced rock-duo formula that launched Blood Red Shoes into the hearts and minds of many on 2008's Box of Secrets, this album is definitely something different. Tracks such as the electrifying single Mexican Dress – a thrilling critique of rampant and desperate narcissism pervading our society – highlight the development of Carter’s determination to speak her mind, demanding attention be paid to the sharp elegance of her songcraft. Others such as Find My Own Remorse offer Ansell a chance to explore the depth of troubles he has conquered and show a more thoughtful side to the haunting vocal range of both artists. (Interlude) is 49 seconds of pure synth joy and not something one might expect to find on the album, but it serves as a well-timed break before plunging into Anxiety, a song that drills its message with Ansell delivering a perfectly pitched and deceptively staccato chorus amidst strong drums and beautifully chilling backing vocals from Carter.
Nothing about this album is ordinary and nothing can be taken for granted – least of all the artists themselves. Get Tragic is a powerful album, raw in its unflinching honesty, experimental in its lyrical and instrumental balances, and deeply moving in its frank exploration of all that Ansell and Carter have made it through to reach this point.
Listen to: Eye To Eye, Bangsar, Howl, Elijah