Album Review

Skarlett Riot – Tear Me Down

• 7th Mar 2013

Skarlett Riot’s Tear Me Down is quite simply the best rock debut album I’ve heard in many years.

The young Lincolnshire hard rock quartet comprises Luke (drums), Skarlett (vocals and guitar), Danny (lead guitar and backing vocals) and Tom (bass and backing vocals). Together they have produced an album that contains all of the classic rock hooks and power chords you could ever wish for, along with immensely powerful bass and drums and the superb vocals of rock queen Skarlett.

This is a ten track collection of high octane, thrill a minute, old school hard rock music played with the type of confidence and swagger that many bands never quite manage to achieve. To do so on their debut release marks Skarlett Riot out as a band with a very bright future indeed.

Opening track, and past single, Faded Memory uses a stereo technique that has the two guitars fading in and out on separate channels, an unbalanced intro that catches your attention, before Skarlett’s vocals come in, strong and emotional. This tale of past love is told passionately and with just a hint of anger mixed in there with the regret. From the first song Skarlett Riot grab you, pin you to the wall and transfix you with the sheer raw energy of their music.

What We’ve Become slows the pace a little to show a more melodic side, a failing relationship portrayed with the repeated refrain, “we are broken”. But Adrenaline immediately heads back to the anthemic, its massive chorus and riff heavy verses hurtling forward over an insistent drum beat and thumping bass line. Rock N Roll Queen opens with a lovely guitar melody. The tale of a sassy frontwoman (Skarlett herself?) who seems to be part devil and part goddess has a strong chant along chorus that will sound quite superb live.

Lost starts slowly with an atmospheric swirl and slow guitar before the bass and drums take over. The vocals are set in the background, echoing and soaring, and the short track acts as a brief musical interlude. But then a strong drum beat immediately starts Tear Me Down off at fast pace before the vocals take over, again commanding and melodic.

Current single Villain begins with a down and dirty guitar riff from the classic school before Skarlett’s vocals once more dominate. This fast and fervent song might just be the pick of the album – although Broken Wings is another standout track. Its slower pace allows the vocals to develop into a heartfelt cry for freedom: “Why can’t you mend these broken wings and let me fly again?” pleads Skarlett in epic style.

The album’s final two tracks are both out and out rockers that encapsulate the band’s joyous and passionate approach to music. Party Hard features the best guitar solo on the album while Riot ends things in a musical storm of fast, hard rock that leaves the listener breathless.

Skarlett Riot have produced a debut album of the highest quality, displaying great ability and the musical self-assurance that only veterans usually have. Their songs are classic sounding yet also youthful and modern, and they possess the type of anthemic feel that will make them sound equally good in rock clubs or on festival stages. Get on board with this band now – the only way is up for Skarlett Riot.

Venue: Tear Me Down
Support Band: Sr Records