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| Red TapeRadioactivist2004 Roadrunner 
 Review by: Pastepunk See others by this writer Red Tape (link) Only registered users can post comments 
 
Published on March 9th 2004
Roadrunner is in a strange position with a band like Red Tape. Even with a roster that features a host of standout bands like Killswitch Engage, and Spineshank (just kidding on that one), there seems to be very little fan attachment to the label, at least compared to labels like Epitaph, Trustkill, Ferret, and so forth. Thus, Red Tape is pretty much left to fend for itself as a highly talented, engaging, and gripping old-school punk/hardcore band without the safety net of positive associations. Fortunately, if "Radioactivist" gets into the hands of the "tastemakers," such label associations will be entirely irrelevant. Red Tape have been kicking it around California for more than seven years, though this is only second full-length from the band; the first being available from New Age Records. Although "Radioactivist" features an original take on some well-covered genres, the band's mixture of musical influences and political ethos can be easily summed up by noting the following bands: Pennywise, Rage Against The Machine, Downset and Anti-Flag. Never monotonous, nor overtly dogmatic in their political leanings, there's a vitality to the band's music that's brillantly easy to soak in, especially on shout-out anthem, "El Salvador," and the wickedly driving, "Divebomb." And of course, it doesn't hurt that most of the 15 songs on here have extremely catchy choruses, and meaty guitar hooks. Gobs of energy transverse through all 36 minutes of music, and "Radioactivist" is over and done with before you know it. Unlike a lot of bands who use calls of "revolution" as some kind of stepping for gaining the "political punk" tag, there's no indication that Red Tape are concerned with flying with that kind of stigma. Rather, "Radioactivist" speaks through vivid metaphors and intelligent questioning, much like their genre's legends, Bad Religion. The end result is that these guys seem a lot more credible in their delivery. "Radioactivist" is fast, furious, and full of passion; give this a spin! People who liked this also liked:           Please login or register to post comments. What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
dig it.... just dig it.. that's all folk's I listened to this at the radio station I volunteer at, and I must say I was prepared to hate it, and I didn't. It was like someone wanted a band that sounded like Rage Against the Machine started playing Pennywise style west coast punk. It's not really spectacular or even really that good, but I didn't hate it. It could've been a lot worse. The Minutemen were the ultimate political punk band. Everything else is secondary... "Every band on that label is shitty. Slipknot wouldnt be so bad if they hadnt sold their soul and their creativity while getting piled in with the nu metal crowd. I mean, you can't take their lyrics seriously after they had their music on a Scream soundtrack and had their lead singer contribute a song to Spiderman. It takes the whole bite out of it. The same thing goes for another band, although far less severe, and a band I still love- System of a Down, definitely a hardcore punk/metal band that gets too much exposure to stupid kids and rednecks who don't even read the lyrics or know a thing about the band. This is the main reason, along with loss of creative control,why major labels suck. Punk bands just don't have bite when everyone and your mother aree listening to them. Oh....and on this review....this band is great, but roadrunner sucks, they've only had 2 good bands that i know of...these guys and amen....both of which they thoroughly fucked over and barely supported at all. Every band on that label is shitty. Putting down a label for having a few shitty bands. Weaker. Same record label as Slipknot and Nickelback. Weak. Yeah really enjoyed this album, the band kinda remind me of a harder Good Riddance, with a few Suicidal Tendencies elements chucked in... just my personal ideas of course. The energy and drive expressed in the album is enough reason to listen to it alone. redd tape is better. "musical influences and political ethos can be easily summed up by noting the following bands: Pennywise, Rage Against The Machine, Downset and Anti-Flag" Wow.....great stuff....this is real hardcore punk at its finest. Why does Roadrunner have a shitload of terrible metal crap, yet they always seem to get the rare, best shining lights in punk rock (IE Amen was originally signed to Roadrunner and now these guys). I asked Jordan if we could put this review up, simply because he said it so well, and I didn't feel like I could add anything to it. I read pastepunk everyday, why don't we get a different opinion? The tune 'Stalingrad' is really good and the video is pretty sick. Good album, didn't knock me on my ass or anything, but still a decent effort! I remember loving the song that was released as a sample a long time ago, downloading the album and being a little dissapointed. They would be awesome live though. |
