RED RUM CLUB - Matador (2019)

Decades have passed since the Fab Four - John, Paul, George, and Ringo left Liverpool for good but the spirit of the boys 'next door' have not died here. It still lives in the underground music clubs and in the famous Cavern. In this port city, the bands come and go like the tides. 

From the iconic Merseybeat scene in the 1960's, there have ben artists that left a permanent mark - Elvis Costello, Dead or Alive, The Farm, OMD, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Anathema.

Liverpool's rock music scene lives on and is doing very well. It is rooted in what has been achieved, the rich heritage of predecessors.

Young bands add new vision of sound, their youth, verve and imagination. What they often lack is, of course - experience, confidence, cohesion and own unique style. This is not the case with Red Rum Club.

Six musicians, a band of real mates, had polished their skills in several other projects. 

The name is a brilliant combination of meanings. It refers to the black stallion Red Rum, a three-time winner of the Grand National horse racing in Liverpool in the 1970's. It could be after the brilliant thriller 'The Shining' by Stephen King, where Red Rum read backwards means Mur-der. And the association with rum in a city port like Liverpool suits well...

Red Rum Club's debut album ,"Matador", brings the very essence of rock music, straightforward. Rhythm on a strong foundation, without much hassle; expressive bass and guitars, and a creative addition of trumpet.

In one word - it was a revelation for me to listen to this young guys. 

The musicians play Rickenbacker guitars (John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, Tom Petty, Cliff Burton, Lemmy Kilmister), among others. Such deep and "fleshy" sound cannot be imitated, exchanged or obtained using electronic samples or new-fashion, sound-image-boisterous "apps". 

A very interesting blend of explosives sounds with some relation to the music of the "Spagethetti Western" or the works of Enio Moricone, or music in Quentin Tarantino films. The whole content is short, less than 32 minutes.

The Matador album opens with a strong song, Angeline that was originally supposed to be called Gasoline.  The track feels like "gas" in the blink of an eye, takes the listener into the world of Red Rum Club sounds, it is "hoof", pulsating and vibrating. A great track chosen intentionally as an "opener", also doing a great role during live performances.

The second track, Would You Rather Be Lonely, was filmed on the iconic Mathew Street in Liverpool (The Beatles played in the Cavern Club 292 times 1961-1963!).

This piece is immediately remembered from the first listening. The melody is exceptionally pleasant, although the lyrics intriguingly look for an answer.  Perhaps, you would rather be lonely? Regardless of your opinion, the structure of the piece is such that you immediately want to sing, dance and have fun (even on your own).

Hung Up, the third on the album, is a composition in which the bass, coherent arrangement and rhythmic take over the leading role on the album. Even quite basic instruments are definitely enough to fill the concept of the aforementioned "Western Spagetthi ".

TV Said So - this track of the entire album is the most "hit"- like, easy to listen to without any major surprises, yet very light, dynamic, not an understatement.

Another ... WOW ... attention, attention ... HONEY - this is a masterpiece. Again, the bass is here for the "locomotive" steam, an attractive machine. Relates so well with the whole section. Honey's trumpet and vocal parts are simply ravishing.

Nobody Gets Out Alive - one of the most relaxed compositions with the hilarious "black humor" of Liverpool. One of the older songs of the Red Rum Club. Once again - unique way of instruments with the trumpet at the forefront.

Number seven, Calexico  is another complete hit, one of those that the growing fan base is waiting for the most on life performances. The structure of the piece is captivating, you want to dance, a bit of sambo-rumba, swinging, hot Latin rhythms.

As if that were not enough, the next track, Casanova invokes a trance-dance in similar vibe as the previous one, yet unique in its style. Those cheeky boys do not take victims, neither lose their energy, the frantic, exhilarating road continues.

Remedy (To Clean A Dirty Soul) prepares the listener to slow down a bit. It is time for some reflection. The track was written at the last minute, before the band entered the studio. It shows how proliferated they are, aren't they? Everything is in place, dark lyrics - food for thought, exceptionally good part leading through the dark corners on the bass guitar.

Grand Finnale, a piece at the end of Red Rum Club's debut album, is a perfect fit. Played with panache and space, almost epic. It ends a certain story, yet it simply forces you to press the "repeat" button. It is so good to listen to.

Without hesitation, I must admit that the gentlemen from the Red Rum Club have fried an exquisite spicy and tasty musical dish. We will hear more about them, I am quite convinced.

Adam