02/10/2024
Left On Red, an upcoming metalcore group hailing from Columbia Missouri, has hit the ground at a dead sprint with their upcoming EP titled Imposter Syndrome.
Bringing specific elements of bands like The Devil Wears Prada, Underoath, Parkway Drive and A Day To Remember, the musicianship of this group stands out in the blending of these elements to create something fresh in 2024. The mixture of Synths and pads filling the high end in the music give a sense of ambience that keeps surprising you throughout the Record, oftentimes harmonizing with the guitars in ways that compliment each other greatly. The drums and bass are both expertly produced, staying in the pocket while still adding depth and emotion that many rhythm sections neglect in modern metalcore.
The first song and upcoming single, Black Hole, immediately hit me with the arpeggiated synths reminiscent of TDWPs Zombies EP. Dropping out immediately into a driving opening sequence. The clean verse sets up the power of the lyrics in the chorus. From that point on you never lose the sense of urgency and frustration they bring with this powerful song. They keep this energy going through both Cutthroat and Fairweather, with the emotional lyrics and clean vocals shining through verses and choruses, highlighted by the heavy vocals in both the pre and post chorus.
"EAT.THE.RICH" is a powerful and assertive song that leaves no room for misinterpretation. Its heavy tone and lyrics are a reflection of the frustrations and struggles that the younger generation face in the world today. With lines such as "i dont have time to enjoy what this life has to offer, spending every waking moment staying out of a coffin," the song expresses the frustrations of many. This song is bound to make you dive headfirst into the pit with first raised.
"No Mud On My Vans" was a pleasant surprise for me as a Southern Rock fan. At first, I thought I got sent a song by mistake when I heard the banjo and electronic drums, but as the full band arrived it was immediately recognizable as LoR. The message of the song isn't exactly country, as it comes from a melting pot city in the midwest, where friends are many and diverse. This song shows that city kids can still rock out with country kids anytime they want, all while being friends. Featuring Dude It's Nolan dropping one hell of a hip hop verse mid-song, it ties three genres together, once again expressing the musicianship of this group..
The last song I played was the title track of the album. The verses had vibes that reminded me of the song "Boy Brushed Red Living In Black", and the huge chorus brought the same emotions as the first three songs I listened to. I fell in love with this song, and it is my personal favorite on the album. The surprise in the final outro breakdown hit me in a way that made me feel like I wanted to float away dreamily while throwing elbows in the pit all at once, and it was glorious.
All the songs on this record come together to create a powerful mix of musicianship, creativity, and emotion. The band's dedication to paying homage to their inspirations while creating something unique and memorable is masterfully executed. I am already a fan and will continue to follow their music for a long time, and can't wait to catch them live!
📸 by Lily Williams