Hooked on Music

Red Sun Revival - Running From The Dawn

RED SUN REVIVAL was formed in 2011 in London. The goth rock quartet will single-handedly bring out their album debut 'Running from the Dawn' soon.

The Brits in the 9 songs combine everything that goth rock is made of and then some. The mood is romantic, melancholic, in some parts dark and atmospherically arranged; the rhythms incite to sweep you along.

The versatility of the material is emphasised by also sounding like film music from time to time, symphonic, with elements of indie rock as well as less rocky, somewhat more poppy and even folk passages.

The band shows it's influenced for example by different acts such as Nick Cave, Depeche Mode, Fields of the Nephilim, The Mission, New Model Army, Bauhaus and The Cure.

The successful production comes from Steve Carey, founder of the group THE EDEN HOUSE; whose members have already worked with many different genres. Studio guest Bob Loveday also plays with this top-class ensemble.
RED SUN REVIVAL's 'Running from the Dawn' appeals to those who are interested in these elements and don't have anything against finding everything together, and even more; on one album.

[Our own translation, for the original article click here]

Sounds Behind The Corner

RED SUN REVIVAL - “Running From The Dawn”

There are two things you can be sure of, when it comes to RSR's debut: one is Af Music (the guardian of many European underground music bands), and the other is their British origins, in London, the best lab for dark rock music. and for them the only way is forward…

This is because of personal qualities, as well as for professional ones: these four British men are able to create a sound that is 'genetically eighties', tainting it with modern colours, mostly thanks to the presence of the violin, played by Christina Emery.

There is also something else: the one who started this project is also the lead singer, he plays the guitar, and he is the main song writer, Rob Leydon, already a member of VoM, part of a good legacy of English gothic rock.

It is very carefully produced, the mixing is by Steve Carey (already in the NFD, but not only that…), RFTD is an example of a tangible sonority that it is still possible to create, a loving eye towards enchanting past times, while the other eye is looking  towards the future of a genre that, if expressed with skill, can still be considered avant garde, a future to be constructed.

The other elements of the ensemble are the excellent bass played by Panos Theodoropulos, and the second guitar played by Matt Helm,  a voice of a different kind, that glides in like a snake and brings in the  temptation of sound. in some tracks the sound will seem so natural, that you will not realise there is a double plectrum, the power of the band's fusion.

First the piano, then the whole band, solid, around it; even the guitar, in the opener My Child, stays quiet, autumn-like, growing slowly into neuroses that are specifically created to welcome Rob Leydon's voice, so similar to the masculine voice of Carl McCoy, sometimes desperate, at other times reactive, powerful, engaged in strong feelings to be sung with vigour, with an almost lyrical passion shaped by the violin: if you take away the initial neoclassicism, Wide Awake will also take you into these dark wave lands, with the British school of the Chameleons and Born for Bliss.

Or sometimes, totally serving pure rock gothic, like in Lost for Words, where not only does the voice remind of McCoy's, but the whole sound is somehow Nephilim, and yet it still maintains the quality of a caress, while always with the wave baggage on their backs; these are loving caresses of a six string, still awesome in entering with the right pickings, even if they appear without a pattern, almost irrational, like human feelings.

The ending is almost erotic. Nothing to Hide is like leaves that fall between the soft caresses of the violin, and the melancholy of the plectrum, anguish in the singing, tears and regrets, the right epilogue to a tale of cursed rock…

How fascinating!

[Our own translation, for the original article click here]

Gothtelera Magazine

November, 2012

Red Sun Revival - Running from the Dawn (2012)

This gothic rock band from London bursting onto the scene last month with their debut album "Running from the Dawn" . But members of the group have some years of experience in music. The band is composed of vocalist / guitarist Rob Leydon (who was a member of the band The Voices of Masada dissolved) also as a guitarist in Nosferatu and The Eden House, guitarist Matt Helm (also guitar in the band Pretentious Moi? which we have already recommended highly), bassist Panos Theodoropoulos is in another hard rock band called Portrait, and classically trained violinist Christina Emery.

The RSR disc has been brewing for 4 years with original lyrics Rob Leydon. The album was mixed and produced by Steve Carey of The Eden House, NFD, This Burning Effigy and many other collaborations. 'Running from the Dawn' was mastered by two-time Grammy-nominated sound engineer Andy Jackson, producer of Pink Floyd’s album Division Bell.

I've been listening to the album for a few days and I must say that the 9 songs that comprise the album are an authentic marvel with an excellent performance of without doubt the best Gothic Rock so far this year, this is band highly recommended.

Recently crowned first place in the schedules of the European Alternative Charts the best album you can see it here: http://www.beta.alt-charts.eu/.

So as not to confuse you anymore I'll leave you with the list of songs and the song called My Child that is what opens the album and it is a great song.

[Our own translation, for the original article click here]

The Bat-Zine

January, 2013

Red Sun Revival - Running from the Dawn

Somehow the new year brings not only a recession to people's wallets but also a stagnancy in the music market and above all, the underground music scene seems to be hibernating or preparing itself for bigger hits.

Reason enough for me to listen to neglected albums from the past few weeks, one of which is “Running from the Dawn” and after listening to it for a few minutes, I could let myself stare into glaring light as punishment.

Punishment that I've neglected this piece of silver since October last year, what an uncaring father I appear to be...

For RED SUN REVIVAL, totally unknown to me before, for most of you too, “Running from the Dawn” is their début, despite existing for 5 years the tasteful listener asks themselves quickly, “Why?”

This piece of music sounds a lot like a fresh wind from old times.. no electro rubbish or extremely distorted voices, just goth rock, just as you should discover it trouble-free in well organised record cabinets, however here it's not the second or third rehash of a Sisters record, as it sometimes seems, but independent and varied.

Heavy, drawn-out lines on extremely wavy guitar sounds and monotonous drums open the album, “My Child” is track 1 and could easily be a tip for the next visit to the dance floor.

The title track “Running from the Dawn” follows the opener but doesn't really sound similar.. though it's the same deep voice which blew my socks off, the music has totally transformed.

The gravitas doesn't dominate here anymore; rather it sounds as though the song itself is dancing, somehow it sounds like goth rock meeting an anthem song from an advert, telling the sceptics, “Listen yourselves!”

“Running from the Dawn” could with all of its 9 tracks kick out one or another dusty classic from the playlist at home and at parties and the listener doesn't even have to be particularly experimental for that... RED SUN REVIVAL seems to be a band with big potential, so you should keep your eyes peeled for this band.

[Our own translation, for the original article click here]

Nightshade

October, 2012

Red Sun Revival: Running from the Dawn

You could say that Great Britain, the cradle of goth rock, is currently experiencing a real renaissance in the genre. There are bands such as Vendemmian or Rhombus who come to mind first and who have been holding the flag high for a few years, but new acts keep finding their way to us in continental Europe. With Red Sun Revival, this appealing tradition continues – in Germany, Austria and Switzerland they are now available via record label afmusic.

With first-class, reverberant goth rock in the tradition of the Fields of the Nephilim or Love Like Blood, Red Sun Revival should quickly find a wide flock of fans. The years of maturing and composition have left behind their quintessence on “Running from the Dawn”. At first sight, you might wonder why there are “only” 9 tracks on the album but here the old adage applies; quality over quantity. Red Sun Revival have thankfully forgone gap fillers and instead present us with a handful of high quality songs.

So whoever loves great quality, dark and sometimes monumental goth rock, should definitely get the first born of Red Sun Revival for themselves. “Running from the Dawn” is a truly welcome work, which shows that its creators more than understand their art.

[Our own translation, for the original article click here]

Peek a Boo

December, 2012

RED SUN REVIVAL - Running from the Dawn

89/100

Im not the first one and I won't be the last one to say that Red Sun Revival has at least been inspired by Fields of the Nephilim and The Elusive (not only because of the nice voice, the retro sound and the synths).

The album has been mixed by Steve Carey (The Eden House) and mastered by the greatest of all: Andy Jackson (who produced the Pink Floyd album 'The division bell'). I was fast keen on this album, for sure once I was able to forget the ressemblance with Fields of the Nephilim (and I love the retro guitar sound, just as the violin).

People who know me also got the picture: i love melancholic music and here I feel like homecoming and yes: it got me hooked!

'My child' will always be one hell of a good starter! Oh so retro, but oh so efficiently good! A few songs later I even hear one of my favourite bands coming back as a certain influence: The Elusive in the song called 'Lost for words'.

'Last chance' sounds more like dream, with a nice sliding guitar and a hypnotic sound. 'Wide awake' has a funky guitar in it, but the lyrics are keeping it bloody and icecold, so no mistake on this one!

'Miracles' has, despite the title, more of despair than having faith in a good ending. The Elusive took me away and it wasn't an illusion. I know for sure that this band has a great future!

Mick Mercer

December, 2012

RED SUN REVIVAL - RUNNING FROM THE DAWN - Stately Goth, for your home..

Modern grace work well with trad Goth signatures, almost facilitating a smoother crossing of the temporal notepaper, and it’s no coincidence this record has that sleek modern maturity Adoration or The Eden House exhibited, for various reasons. There is here a stylised solemnity that pulls down any tattered curtains and hauls open ivy-gripped French windows to let in simple, life-enhancing air among fusty possibilities, cleaning everything. All it takes is a light, dimpled keyboard fragrance and the desolate starts to acquire a healthy tinge, the intrinsically dramatic vocal delivery no longer a tormented fantasy but something plunging towards romance. Imagine the Neffs becoming debonair and you’re almost there.

‘My Child’ is succulent while windblown, the fragile guitar of Matt Helm (yes, Pretentious Moi?) deceptively steely as Rob Leydon (Voices Of Masada) steps up to the mike and declaims darkly. He extends notes with a stern quality, accusing as much as illuminating, and there is always a discreetly vivid lungpower to Panos Theodoropoulos’ bass, because rhythm is life, not a set of sonic handcuffs. This leaves Christina Emery to dart through with some tantalising violin although my battered ears probably mistake her for some extra guitar at times, just as I keep thinking I can detect some keyboards, but I dare say that’s just senility beckoning. It’s Goth Jim, but there’s no-one called Jim here, so be careful.

After an engaging opener which has a grizzled face to cover nimble deportment ‘Running From The Dawn’ is a sleeker thing, with a genteel bass bounce and fluttering guitar insinuations making the vocals fall into step so things become casually uplifting, not sonorous and sleepy. A charming chorus seems to stretch and ache for a positive purpose. Our stylish cat Suchard seems particularly drawn to this one as the violin saws prettily and vocals sway then croon.

‘Lost For Words’ is pretty much the same song but with a brisker vocal forward march and a cleaner arrangement. ‘Last Chance’ weeps angelically, guitar drizzling across empty spaces left by thoughtful vocals, and the playfully wobbling ‘Wide Awake’ rides the bass like a drunk driver. Skimpy funkoid guitar slides underneath as things becomes lusciously hazy.

‘Miracles’ has elegant intentions waylaid by an uncouth vocal swarm which is interesting, creating an intriguing, ‘Without You’  flowing on the eternally uncredited keys, vocals swimming heartily against the becoming tide, robust emotional ripples spreading. ‘Forgive Us Now’ is willowy wibbling, picturesque without gripping, but the more urgent ‘Nothing To Hide’ criss-crossed by piquant strings and dappled percussive traits takes us out on a nicely rickety limb, impishly watchful lyrics and bubbling bass catching the ear.

This is a beautiful record which makes for charming company although they haven’t emphatically stamped their own presence on the sounds somehow. It’s a bit too easy going perhaps, but that’s because it’s not hard going really, and not clinging to the past is always a good sign. Their mission as they develop is to expose their own distinct character,

Planetmosh

December, 2012

Red Sun Revival - Running From The Dawn

Red Sun Revival are an alternative/Gothic rock band from London.  Formed in 2011, this is their debut album.  The album was mixed and produced by Steve Carey from The Eden House, and mastered by Andy Jackson (who produced the Pink Floyd album, The Division Bell).

Within a very short time of putting this album on, I was hooked – this is damn good stuff.

The vocals are a very similar style to those of Fields of the Nephilim singer Carl McCoy, so fans of Fields of the Nephilim are going to feel right at home with Red Sun Revival.  Musically the two bands are quite similar too, but Red SUn Revival’s use of the violin and the fact that the guitar work isnt as deep and heavy as that of Fields of the Nephilim means that despite the clear similarities, the two bands do have their own distinct sounds.

The album opens with “My Child”.  The violin adds a much lighter feel to the song than it would otherwise have, and adds some extra interest to it.

“Lost for words” is probably the track most resembling Fields of the Nephilim.  It’s a great track – but then again the whole album is great.

If you’re a fan of Fields of the Nephilim then I really recommend that you check out Red Sun Revival.  Similarly fans of Sisters of Mercy, The Eden House and The Mission are likely to find Red Sun Revival of interest.  Definitely well worth checking out.

Rating: 9/10

Vox Empirea

December, 2012

Red Sun Revival - "Running From The Dawn" - cd - bu Maxymox 2012

Extrapolating the best proposals offered in this 2012 from the gothic-rock scene, the choice of Vox Empirea inevitably falls on the Londoners Red Sun Revival, power-quartet composed in 2011 by the following musicians with tuba-hat, dressed like in the late nineteenth century and all them in the possession of important artistic curriculum:

Rob Leydon (vox/programming/clean-guitar/recording engineer) has constructive militancy as guitarist in various projects stylistically oriented towards the same music gender, like Voices of Masada, which Rob is also co-founder, The Eden House , Adoration and Nosferatu.

Matt Helm (guitar) offered his admirable ability of arpeggio in Pretentious, Moi?, an English gothic-rock design interpreter in 2010 of an excellent debut self-titled album and that I had the honor of reviewing more than positively.

The Greek Panos Theodoropoulos (bass guitar) has always shown an innate versatility developing in the past its tactics in numerous Hellenic underground bands, while currently, as well as in Red Sun Revival, he is incorporated in the line-up of RottViolent, ensemble dedicated to the hard-rock genre.

Christina Emery (violin), was the keyboardist of the elektro-platform named Future Frenetic, she has built around himself over the years a solid reputation maneuvering her instrument in the past as today with admirable expertise, able to insert in the structures capturing registers processed in perfect harmony with the guitar textures.

The interaction between these minds could only create a work of strong resonance and valor, characteristics distinctly perceptible in this debut album released by the famous German label Afmusic. "Running From The Dawn" is full-length in which preparation are involved some important names, in particularly those belonging to DeWray Louis, vocalist of the cited project Nosferatu, whom has effectively supervised as a vocal-engineer the revelant chant sections at the Earth Terminal Studios, as well as Stephen Carey, active at the Stanton Manor Studio well as creator of the projects The Eden House, member of the NFD and This Burning Effigy, masterly mixed the sound sources, while the delicate mastering stage is carried out none other than Andrew (Andy) Jackson, a famous producer and record engineer for Pink Floyd and Fields Of The Nephilim's albums, well as holder of the Tube Mastering Studio.

The golden list of credits continues mentioning Ilona Jurgiel, professional doll-maker and photographer at the Lightpainted Doll whom has designed the digipak artwork, continuing citing finally the collaboration by the guest-violinist Bob Loveday, a member coming from the band headed by the mastermind Bob Geldof.

The technical team and the band, both creators of this "Running From The Dawn", they've succeeded therefore producing an album entirely full of charming, melancholic gothic-minded ancestors, a work elevated on high listening parameters so highest to distinguish itself brightly in its area of competence, all this by an amazing, marvelous chant-metric, always full of speen and great expressiveness, together with a perfect instrumental form engineered with impeccable knowledge. "Running From The Dawn" inserts in its tracklist a diadem composed by nine priceless sonic-gems that start from "My Child", a beautiful gothic-rock in which every moment is filled of charm and decadence, a perception fervent by the pleading Rob's vocals whose deep and hoarse singing timbre surround with penetrating intensity the uptempo drumming, the fine embroideries of the guitars, the pulsating bass-line and the romantic spatiality widespread from the keyboard. The violin maneuvers are harmonics flights that enrich the course of the next and namesake "Running From The Dawn", the track that expands the traditional gothic concept inserting into it, in addition to the ashy color reflected by the chant, also an instrumental look filled of rasserenate atmospheres melodiously composed by a delicate programming embroidery that is added to the passionate combination between voice, well supported percussiveness, idyllic pinches of guitar and keyboard refinements.

The depressed poetry of the chant added to the rock energy obtained as a result "Lost For Words", a song that exhibits the cultivated aura of which the music of the Red Sun Revival is holder, a particular again highlighted by the elegant exchanges between the Rob's pronunciations and the triptych guitar-keyboard-drumming, formulations designed on midtempo base and crossed by the nostalgic scents of the violin played by Christina.

The sadness of "Last Chance" is written through the downcasted registers gothic-oriented issued by the vocalist and inserted with great aesthetic sense between the sequencing intermittences, the midtempo drum-machine beats, the fascinating pads, the bass laps driven by Panos and the melancholy emotions evoked by the guitar scales.

The beautiful "Wide Awake", in the same way, plans a chant that by the refrain it spreads all its irrepressible suffering embracing with infinite transport the emotions aroused by the combination between the faded romanticism of the key-sound and the sparkling decorations of the guitars on the midtempo rhythm, as well as the following "Miracles", even more charming, overflowing of gothic passion and probably the best episode of the tracklist, entrusts most of its desperation to the chant that Rob lives with inexpressible ardor pronununcing it through heartbroken lyrics which in the refrain they expanding into long reverbs so beautifully capturing, all this declined by a vivid musicality dragged by the bass and by the drum-programming, thickened by the extensions of the keyboard and made even more sentimental by guitar ornaments that run rhythmically in the soul of the song.

"Without You" is like a pure poetry enunciated in front of an autumn sunset, a gothic-rock song full of melancholy voice-shades twirl on the vibrant gait of the midtempo drumming, exhibitions crossed by piano embellishments, persistent key symphonies and suggestive guitar intersections.

Now is the time of "Forgive Us Now", composition by the strong emotional charge emphasized particularly in the vocals that Rob speaks with saddened tones, wounded by an inconsolable suffering and perfectly integrated into a sad-gothic/rock sound that aggregates into a single module the saddened, electric guitar arpeggio, the drum-programming midtempo and the soft keyboard trails interspersed with poignant violin sections.

A work of similar viscerality could not have wished for a better conclusion: so here's "Nothing To Hide", a track swamped by gothic-wave-rock consonances primarily revealed through the vocal foreground speech by Rob as always overflowing with pathos, and then by the instrumental melancholies of guitars and violin on which running the drum beating, the dashed line of sequencing and the warm fluctuations of the keyboard.

Epic release and able to reach the motions of the spirit, an album that will leave admired that phalanx of the public who made of the gothic subculture their lifestyle. The clear affirmation of the Rob Leydon's voice it imposes with immeasurable effectiveness on the musics, giving them a form culminating in a real inner torment, in regret and in a gloomy season poetry. The band plays each song with commitment, wisdom and concentration, activating every possible refinement aimed to the impeccable complement of a work which, even though subjected to the most severe judgments, immediately shows its superiority over the standard average. The synergy between a pentagram of exceptional consistency and a sound-system technically clean, makes "Running From The Dawn" a work highlighting the relationship between decadence and melody: Red Sun Revival is a great project and it's fundamental that you know it.

[This is Vox Empirea's translation, although we've taken the liberty of adding some paragraph breaks to their text]

Gothic Paradise

November, 2012

Running From The Dawn - Review

I'm always on the look out for great gothic rock music in this scene. Lately I've been pleased with a number of great bands, we recently did a special on three of these and then right after that I was presented with this great new album and was immediately pleased with the style and direction of the music. I love the style of the early 90's gothic rock music, but continue to enjoy all the various additions that each new decade brings. Sometimes things grow a bit stale, or coldly bland, so it's nice to go back to some of the roots that have made this scene and musical style so enjoyable in the first place. This nine-track album does just that with each majestic piece.

Overall the first thoughts that come to my mind as I listen to this stellar album is a darker, emotionally driven masterpiece with themes of love, hope, regret, despair and number of other deeply emotional themes. All of that coupled with a nice rock beat, heavy bass, various guitars from a soaring, rock style to more broken, graceful chords coupled with the deep, heavy vocals help to create this powerful music. Several tracks include a soft, subtle violin at times taking a more prominent role along with layers of synthesizers as well. It all kicks off with an instant favorite "My Child" which simply drips with emotion with the angst-ridden vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. One of the key features of this style of music are the emotions that run so deep on each piece, whether they be personal or at a more philosophical level or even focusing on mythology and fantasy which also permeates the scene and just a touch on these pieces.

Favorite pieces really include just about every track on the album, so I'll try and touch on just a few highlights or this will go on way too long. A drummer isn't listed in the lineup, so I'm guess it's all computer or machine drums, but even as such I think they're well done from the break-downs on each track as well as just the selection and solid beats. As previously mentioned, the violin is a very nice addition, especially with a live violinist. It really takes a prominent role on the title track which has an orchestral, soundtrack air to it at the beginning which builds and flows giving way to the rock beat and guitars. On other pieces this live violin coupled with various synths provide an excellent dynamic, bringing out the majestic nature of these emotional pieces. A good solid bass has always been a foundation in the gothic rock scene. On this album it comes out strong, becoming the canvas for the other instruments and vocals to be layered on for the moving, emotional soundscapes. The mix of guitars weave and gracefully create a sound that keeps the listener grounded, a bit of the harsher side of the music amidst all the ethereal pieces previously mentioned in the violin, electronics and synths and they create an excellent medium to help portray the mood and sensitive nature of the lyrics and vocals. The vocals are deep and throaty, almost growling, yet can still be melodic which keeps them in touch with the human, emotional side of this darker, brooding style of music.

There you have it, a great album, definitely a wonderful debut which I think any listener can sit back and imagine what could possibly follow and hope for several more to come in the near future. Don't hesitate to pick this one up.

Rating: 4.5/5

This is Gothic Rock

Oct 22, 2012

Red Sun Revival - Running From The Dawn (2012)

Those familiar with This is Gothic Rock will have already heard the three advance tracks the band prepared for their promo CD which included "Last Chance", "My Child" and "Without You". For those who have not had the opportunity to hear these tracks, they were included in episode 28 for the month of July. As I said during that episode we are in the presence of one of the biggest surprises of the year and finally I have the finished product in my hands.

I will tell you in a nutshell: "Running from the Dawn" is released in a digipack and aside from the aforementioned tracks we found six more releases that have thoroughly satisfied my expectations. The profound voice of Robert (ex-Voices of Masada) charges the atmosphere in the chorus where doubled vocals blend perfectly with the music creating a refreshing effect, the themes are catchy and, as we say in the "dj" jargon, are clickable.

Robert began composing the songs three years ago (slowly and with great results). It is said that behind every great record there is always good study, collaborations, etc. and this is no exception. The recording process of "Running from the Dawn" began in Robert’s home studio and later passed through Earth Terminal Studios where he recorded the vocals under the supervision of Louis DeWray (Nosferatu). To finish the last details was the same Stephen Carey (The Eden House) who handled the production mix. It then leapt into the hands of the great Andy Jackon (Pink Floyd, Fields of the Nephilim) who was responsible for the final adjustments, so the sound quality is more than guaranteed. He has also had the collaboration of violinist Bob Loveday (Bob Geldof's band). All this is packed in a debut that lets me say "Running from the Dawn" is one of the top 10 of the year and is one of the most wanted and anticipated debuts. This is a breath of fresh air from the UK. Gothic Rock of the new millennium covered in a blanket of emotion and passion like few bands have been able to reflect in the new decade. We see a band with great potential which translates into a very promising future.

[Our own translation, for original article click here]

Terra Relicta

Oct 23, 2012

Red Sun Revival - Running From The Dawn [CD] (2012) - Review

It has been a while since I've heard such deep and emotive vocals and enjoyed melancholic atmospheres like Red Sun Revival offers on this album. This London based group has achieved something that every devoted gothic rock fan wishes for, and they did it on their very first studio album. Nine songs featured on this album were done in a four year period between 2007 and 2010 by the mast    ermind Rob Leydon, who later spent a lot of time in developing and perfecting this material. Yes, he succeeded, Running From The Dawn is astonishing and captivating self-declarative mystical journey.

"Tell me you still hear me / I suppose you understand" is a call of desperation on the opener "My Child" which grabs you with it's melancholic vibe and takes you into places somewhere that only few groups can; do you remember Elizium from Fields Of The Nephilim? Bass drive, blistering percussions and gently sparking guitars are giving a fence to lean against, mournful synths and violin lines work like a pillow where you can bury your tearful face after the burial of your loved one. Robs voice is a haunting baritone, so deep and emotional, with some rasp, that almost brings tears in your eyes. There's a lot of reverb used to make it even deeper and more atmospheric on the right places and although being dark and gloomy gives some kind of warmth and comfort, plus that special energy needed to make everything more interesting. Just listen to the chorus of "Lost For Words" which Rob written about his father: "If you’re overcome now / Then I think I understand / I feel so proud of you right now / Did you let your guard down? / Are you fighting back the tears? / You’ve never wept in all these years." Yes, there's a lot of poetical mastery in the words that Rob delivers through his lyrics. Almost epic ballad "Last Chance" has some guitar work that reminds to the best parts of The Cure's most melancholic songs, no need to say that even some short guitar solos are inserted perfectly and blend masterfully with the rest of sounds. Echoes of orchestral and choral aspects make this album tasteing like a perfect soundtrack for someones most honest regrets. Each song has kind of special energy that flows so smoothly and reaches his peak in chorus of "Wide Awake". A lot of dramatic moments, for example in vocally expressive "Miracles" adds kind of psychedelic dimension. The piano touches on "Without You" that merge into exquisite drive and one hell of a heartfelt gothic rock masterpiece with catchy playful keys and one of the best gloomy atmospheres up here. The listener can find even some folk, alternative rock, maybe a touch of Pink Floyd from their latest works (probably because it was mastered by the twice Grammy nominated sound engineer Andy Jackson, producer of Pink Floyd’s Division Bell album) and post-punk notes, but only in the background layers of the songs, so the true goth adventure is not ruined. Bob Loveday of Bob Geldof's band offered some amazing guest violin lines on this album and bands violinist Christina Emery did a fantastic job among others especially on "Forgive Us Now". Everything ends with another "The Cure meets Fields Of The Nephilim" masterpiece "Nothing To Hide", again with the same sparking guitar touches, dark synths, drama and once again melancholy that with those words: "I disappeared from your sight / Within a flickering moment / I’m only here in disguise / Just like a passing illusion", slowly fades and ends this mourning. No, this album is not just a passing illusion, it rests and echoes in your mind long after you stoped listening to it and I'm sure that some captivating verses will be sang and whispered by gothsters lips many times. 

Beautiful and smooth, adventureous and warm, still cold in it's core. It's a lullaby for long silent nights that approach with the winter season. If there's a possibility to chose an album that I would like to be played on my funeral than Running From The Dawn is one of the candidates. I must mention also great production and marvelous mix that make this album, although it has pure 80's or 90's golden goth vibe, somehow modern. 

Review written by: T.V.
Rating: 9/10

Hazzard of Darkness

Oct 10, 2012

The people at www.hazzardofdarkness.net have described us as "not new but somehow different" which we quite like. They also said: "Emotional, brilliant, striking. Exactly the right slice of gothic rock for the long winter evenings."

Midnight Calling

Red Sun Revival Promo

Jul 27, 2012

I first heard of Red Sun Revival by way of a Facebook post from Martin Oldgoth, and if he was impressed, I knew they definitely had merit. The band graciously sent me a copy of their promo, and I must say that it surpassed my expectations.

"My Child" brilliantly brings to mind one of my favorite bands, Fields of the Nephilim. There are the same incisive, enigmatic vocals; swirling, epic electronics; and energetic percussion and guitar. yet this is no mere imitation of FON, far from it. The backing electronics have a sweeping operatic feel that propels the song ever higher; while the guitar has an edge that doesn’t dissipate. I particularly like the moody sort of shift at about three and a half minutes, and then the song rises back with operatic backing effects and evocative keyboards. "My child, would I ever let you fall?" The steady bass and ceaseless percussion make this song eminently danceable.

"Running from the Dawn" dashes from the start line with some orchestral type flourishes that somehow remind me of certain early ’60′s rock right before the Psychedelic shift. The vocals are very visceral and gripping, while the guitar has a delightful edge to it. The operatic backing effects emerge at exactly the right time to give the song an added dimension that does not distract from the focus. Excellent basslines provide a powerful, yet not intrusive foundation. "I’m sure I saw you as you danced.."

"Without You" has a vibrant electro beginning that merges into crisp keyboards and driving percussion. The vocals are exquisitely layered, sinking to a menacing growl, then emerging into a heartfelt paean of regret. There is a dramatic shift midway through, with a nice piano sequence that runs in tandem with sharp, post-punkish guitar as the song races to a dramatic finish with a classical twist.

These are some truly outstanding songs that will stay with the listener long after the last notes have ended. They herald Red Sun Revival as a band to be reckoned with. While Red Sun Revival definitely harkens back to the days of classic Goth Rock, they are infused with a totally contemporary sound that clearly builds on the past but does not emulate it. Red Sun Revival will delight those on all sides of the Gothic spectrum, from trad Goths like myself who still dream of the Golden Age of Gothic Rock, to fans of postpunk, and even listeners who love the same dark aura but appreciate an upbeat electro edge. The production is great on these tracks, paired with sure talent and imagination. I look forward to hearing Red Sun Revival’s full length release.

Oh, and did I mention that they also have a superb sense of fashion?

Dominion

Review: Red Sun Revival - 'My Child', 'Last Chance', 'Without You'

By DJArmand on Jan 18, 2012

Red Sun Revival – 'My Child', 'Last Chance', 'Without You'

CURRENTLY UNSIGNED

Formed in 2011, Red Sun Revival are preparing to release their debut album later this year, but for now, there are just three demos available as a little taster. With influences in their sound deeply rooted in such pioneers as ‘The Chameleons’ and ‘Voices of Masada’ they have plenty to live up to, and yet listening to these three demos and it is easy to see they have the potential of something extraordinary in the making. Vocalist Rob’s harmonies certainly reflect his time with Voices of Masada but there is so much more to be gleaned from these songs than just retrospection. The twisting, swirling basslines, from Panos, wrap intricately around Matt’s haunting guitar work while there is a darkly beautiful, melodic interaction between the guitars and classically trained Christina’s violin creating a refreshing new depth of exploration for a more imaginative alternative sound.

‘My Child’ opens to an interweaving soundscape of echoing atmospherics and piano and here the interplay of guitars and violin innocently mingle around the vocals, while, and in contrast, ‘Last Chance’ promotes a more melancholic, classical feel in both sound and harmony, whereas ‘Without you’ with its jangly guitars and hunting basslines offers a more upbeat, potential dancefloor filler.

Although a relatively new band, the depth of writing, fluidity and cohesion already displayed here shows a sublime maturity as a music-creating force. Each song works very well as its own statement of intent, they are likeable as much for their differences as their similarities, while together they are a demonstration as rich in diversity as they are in constructive brilliance. The demos are available only to listen to on the band’s soundcloud site at present and the debut album is currently undergoing final touches however Red Sun Revival have arrived - watch out for them as they will be hot property once the album is released.

Static Magazin

Artist of the month 11/11 - Red Sun Revival
In the middle of the year I received a demo cd, which first landed on the stack of "material to get through". About 6 weeks ago, I listened to it and couldn't believe what ran through my ears. Unfortunately, I lost the matching letter to the CD and I had to look for, what the band's name was, which had the token RSR.

A band, as it happens often, from England, which exists since the beginning of 2011. The names, which will follow now, should be known to some of you: Rob Leydon (Vocals - ex-voices of Masada, Adoration, The Eden House, Nosferatu), Matt Helm (Guitar), who gave me the CD and is also involved in Pretentious, Moi?

Christina Emery (Violin) brings, as a professional violin player, a lot of experience with her and is playing, under another name, in the band FutureFrenetic. The last one is Panos Theodorpoulous (Bass, Guitar), a born Greek, who brings a lot of experience of the music business with him.

So it's clear, that here four people gathered, who know what to do and come up with a lot of passion for music. Officially there is no EP or an album, yet, but there are already 10 demo songs and even though they're not finished, yet, I can tell one thing, that is true: "Here something brilliant comes the way, which again proves, that Goth rock isn't dead, by far!"

The Song "Miracles" put a spell on me instantly; with its haunting guitar and bass lines, a strong drum machine and Rob's voice bring you into dark catacombs, where music is the only thing that counts and then the underlining second vice. This is just unique.

The keyboard intro on "Without You" is another plus, again. In my opinion, keyboards and pianos are much too rare in use. And in the whole song the keyboard/piano appears, which gives it a special note.

Songs like "My child" and "Lost for Words" will definitely find their ways to the dance floors, soon.

Right now there isn't much to find in the internet about Red Sun Revival, but I think this will change, soon and I'm sure, that the crowd of fans will grow quickly. I really hope that we're able to listen to the first album of this amazing band next year and that they'll visit many stages.

Until then I recommend visiting their page again and again and to keep your eyes open, because I'm sure there will be much more about Red Sun Revival to hear and see, soon.