Red Jezabel - Coup De Grâce Album Review

A long eight years had passed without any sign of a new LP from Red Jezebel but
2015 is the lucky year, seeing the launch of their new album, Coup De Grace.
Eight years’ worth of thought, construction and production have gone into the
twelve track album ensuring fans would have enough material to get stuck into.
Following multiple EPs and two albums, Coup De Grace continues to enthuse with
the band’s subdued rock style but this time leading listeners down an unpredictable
path.

Your Days are Numbered opens the album with airy vocals and a soothing
instrumental side which takes you to a balmy summer night. Deep and hollow
drumming gives a tribal impression until lingering notes lead the song into an
upbeat and groovy tune. The first track doesn’t however set the tone for the album.
As the album develops, so does the sound. Wiry guitar and raw vocals begin Be
Here Tonight with a subtle country twang, eventually giving way to silky vocals.
The chorus once again transitions into something different as the band continues to
add an instrumental layer in each section of the song; an interesting but rare
progression; ultimately concluding on the strongest note of the track. This diversity
of sound is carefully constructed and cleverly arranged to deliver a unique listening
experience.

Pull Wagon To Circle features repetitive melodies and warming drums which carry
an laidback, breezy and carefree feel. This easy-going vibe does not hang around
as the album jumps to The City Might Be Nervous, a substantial change settling
into punk-metal once again. Outer Dodge stands out as the most jolly and wistful
track and is oh-so-easy to bop along with. The tambourine sets a happy scene
however; the lyrics tell a different and more unsettling story. Final track, How I
Learned to Stop Worrying, features gentle acoustic guitar and modest drumming
making it the most uplifting ballad on the album. Paul Wood‘s gentle vocals
agreeably blend with the mild electric guitar which gradually makes its way into
the song.

Coup De Grace is the type of album which needs to be played a few times to fully
hear and understand the finer details and structure precisely added to each song.
The most noticeable trait of Coup De Grace is the bands disinterest in sticking with
one genre. They use their undeniable talent of mixing various genres to form indie,
alternative rock that is occasionally folk-like with their own twist. Not one
instrument outshines another, but each one consistently compliments the other. A
diverse and stimulating album which will assist fans with diving back into the
sound of Red Jezebel