The Radio Reds – Memory Loss

After a noteworthy four song EP, Charlotte/Greensboro, NC’s The Radio Reds keep their early-career momentum going with their debut full length, Memory Loss.  The mid-90’s alternative inspired album cements the up and coming act as having what it takes to keep listeners attentive for just over that magic thirty minute mark. Memory Loss also makes for a casual listen and good company, like chilling with some buds at your favourite watering hole.

There’s something to be said about finding music that’s just plain confortable to throw on, and the rhythmic tunes of The Radio Reds do just that.  If R.E.M. had just a little more buzz and a heightened attitude they would have written songs like “Moloch” and “Keep Myself Together.”  It’s the subtly catchy chorus that sneaks up during the line “call me nothing, call me sinner, my shoes fill with blood as I walk home” that pushes the album into welcoming territory as early as the opening track.  Many songs in “Knife” also stands as a highlight with a few spikes of adrenaline for good measure.

There’s no rush to these tracks, but neither are The Radio Reds sitting around watching paint dry.  Take for instance the sudden infusion of softly played horns guiding the aptly titled instrumental intermission “Interlude” – the song teasing inquisitive listeners with contextual novelty before their tactful inclusion in the chorus of “The Artist.”  But perhaps the album’s biggest moment comes from the track drawing its name from The Radio Reds’ original EP, Let it Show, which carries over much of their debut’s quick running intensity.  The track clocks in at a short minute and a half, but not before offering up a late album surge to return to the comfortable ground of “The Worry.” 

Memory Loss’ one weakness remains the absence a big showstopper.  The band’s knack for catchy alternative remains obvious throughout their debut, but they have yet to create that one single that wraps up The Radio Reds in a nutshell.  That being said, the album is an undeniable success and first effort as a whole, so it’s hardly worth harping on.  Aging fans of 90’s alternative along with modern indie goers should find committing the journey that is Memory Loss to memory well worth the brain cells.