Review by: Victoria Nugent

The latest offering from Brighton band Blood Red Shoes could be given the label of garage rock for a new generation. The duo’s second album, “Fire Like This”, is largely influenced by 90s grunge, and showcases some impressively gritty, heavy sounds, coupled with poppy lyrics and varied vocals. Though some may argue the tracks sound slightly generic, there’s no denying that Blood Red Shoes have their own distinct pattern that works for them. The two piece band is made up of Steven Ansell and Laura-Mary Carter and formed in 2004 after their previous bands Lady Muck and Cat on Form split up. Taking their name

from a story about Ginger Rogers’ blood stained dancing shoes, the pair released their first album Box of Secrets in 2008, which, like Fire Like This , was co-produced with Mike Crossey.

Don’t Ask is a powerful start to the album, with its sheer energy and strong beat, setting the tone for the band’s distinct brand of grungy rock as Carter’s shrill vocals blaze a trail through the chorus, with Ansell adding his emotive voice to the mix.

Many songs, including Light It Up have a distinctly Nirvana-esque feel as the band alternates tempos and volumes throughout a single tune. Ansell’s drumming and Carter’s riffs drive the music, with vocals split between the two. The two have very different vocal styles, which complement each other well, providing a diverse mix of sounds.

The duo shows they are also capable of more haunting, slower speed songs, with When We Wake serving as a perfect example with melodic lyrics, and a more laidback style.

Colours Fade provides a unique end to the album, with the much more intense sound pervading the seven minute long song hopefully hinting at the duo’s willingness to experiment a bit more in the future.

Although the album doesn’t take many risks, it’s still ultimately a great album to help you get hyped up before a night out and seems to gain something each time you listen. For a band with only two members, Blood Red Shoes pack a lot of punch and is sure to win fans of many people reminded of their favourite 90s bands by their almost nostalgic garage sound.