Canadian progressive rock trio Red Sand are back with their twelfth album, but I note there has been a line-up change since I reviewed 2021’s ‘The Sound of the Seventh Bell’. Simon Caron (guitars, bass, keyboards) and Perry Angelillo (drums) have now been joined by singer Michel Renaud, who was actually there in time for 2024’s ‘Pain’t Box’. Formed by Caron in 2004, they have always been heavily influenced by the British Neo scene of a decade earlier, with Shadowland and Pendragon being obvious nods, but they also look back into classic Genesis (especially in the odd lyrical influence and hinted melodic progression).
“Watcher” has Nick Barrett all over it, apart from when it veers into Roger Waters or Gabriel territory, and one can easily imagine a slightly revised version of this appearing on ‘The World’, which of course was released more than 30 years before this album. But while some of the sounds and styles are familiar, including some wonderful Aragorn style basslines, it is way more than “spot the influence”. This is an album with loads of space within, and it always feels far more like a band release than a multi-instrumentalist and a few others. There is restraint, and a lack of ego, both of which means it is far more enjoyable than many others recorded in a similar manner.
I did feel the last album of theirs I heard did not have enough bite and contrast, but this is a step up with sharp edges and distinct changes in style with the dynamics and changes ensuring this is a release which keeps the listener invested throughout.
Rating: 8/10
Links:
https://www.redsandmusic.ca/