6/10

In the last few years, Blood Red Shoes have found themselves going through a bit of a renaissance. After an impressive run throughout the first decade of their career, they took an extended break after their self-titled full-length in 2014, not returning again until 2019's 'Get Tragic' and delivering a rebirth of energy in the process. Since then, the pair have been more prolific than ever. With the short EP release 'Ø' and frontwoman's Laura-Mary Carter's debut solo record last year, they are looking to continue this progressive energy on their sixth full-length 'GHOSTS ON TAPE', a record that adds a darker and more intense tinge to their sound.

Since their infancy, Blood Red Shoes have usually come across as a blistering and visceral frenzy of hard guitar riffs and thunderous drums, giving them a distinctively powerful direction throughout. But for 'GHOSTS ON TAPE', it certainly feels like this rebirth has reached its maturity as they instead explore a more atmospheric and haunted aura this time around. While there are still the odd moments to their former selves on here, much of this new release is aimed at building something new and interesting to venture into, showing us that they still have plenty of inventive ideas in the tank.

While it doesn't have the same ear-grabbing fury of some of their previous work, 'GHOSTS ON TAPE' still manages to find a core sound to follow, and continues their vibrant form in recent years. A bold and driven release from a duo that remain progressive and evolved throughout.