++ALBUM++ review by Rory Carroll

BLOOD RED SHOES - Box Of Secrets

Released on V2

Upon submitting his review of the terrible twosome's debut LP, Rory Carroll wrote at the top of the email: "HEAVILY, HEAVILY RECOMMENDED!!" What possessed the man? Find out here...

Picture The Subways. Remember them? Ok, now picture an infinitely better, more attractive and compact version of The Subways. Are you there yet? Good. The band you’re thinking of is Blood Red Shoes and they are, quite frankly, bloody marvellous.

They make a mighty racket for a two-piece and successfully avoid the pitfalls generally associated with such small groups. There isn’t the faintest hint of them looking for the ‘novelty’ or ‘kitsch’ effect and ‘Box of Secrets’ still feels very much like a ‘full-band’ album.

"they’ve also got the annoying luxury of being young, talented and rather good looking..."

The vocal dynamic between Steven Ansell and Laura-Mary Carter is equally impressive and they use the split-vocal as a chance to play off of one another.

Ansell takes the lead on the majority of the tracks – an impressive feat for a drummer – though you are never left feeling that Carter’s sections have been needlessly crowbared into the songs. They strike a perfect balance and are acutely aware of which voice is suited to certain songs.

You’d genuinely struggle to find any weaknesses on ‘Box of Secrets’ and the mere fact that ‘It’s Getting Boring By The Sea’ (one of last year’s finest singles) does not appear until track 9 is testament to the true quality and strength of this debut.

Ansell and Carter are undoubtedly very confident in their abilities and they’ve also got the annoying luxury of being young, talented and rather good looking to boot. It’s a deadly combination, but it gives you the distinct feeling that much bigger things are waiting just around the corner for this band.

++ Rory Carroll ++

Artrocker rating: 5

---

---

---