7/10

As one of the most raucous and beloved outfit's Brighton has given us in the last decade, Blood Red Shoes have proven to be a continually energetic and captivating pairing, but since the release of their 2014 self-titled full-length, the band almost ceased to exist. With turbulent infighting caused by a non-stop touring schedule, the duo almost called it a day for good. Yet after some time apart to reevaluate where they wanted to go, they both agreed that the band was their home and have now returned with sheer strength on their fifth full-length 'Get Tragic', a record that displays a far darker tone than we are used to.

Over the years, Blood Red Shoes have been a band fully focused on their riffs and hooks, and while that remains the same on this new collection, their pace seems far more grinding than explosive. Thunderous and brooding guitars over a bed of pulsing drums act as the intent for this new record, showing that their almost break-up has in fact emerged as a new beginning for the duo. Emulated by the lead single 'Mexican Dress', the album has swapped out their usual high-octane sound for something more impactful, making this feel like their most intense release in years.

It definitely feels that there is a new energy injected within Blood Red Shoes. Being able to step away for a prolonged amount of time and return together with an even more powerful release is no easy feat, but this pair clearly have always been on the same page creatively and it makes for a wonderfully hard-hitting return.