Scarlet

Scarlet: Cult ClassicCult Classic (2004)
Ferret Records

Reviewer Rating: 3.5

Contributed by: RonenKauffmanRonen Kauffman
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on March 12th 2004Cult Classic is the kind of record that rewards listeners for sticking it out to the end. Since many music writers base their reviews on the first three or four songs of a record, Scarlet might suffer for this - after all, they do kick off the record with arguably familiar metalcore elements, which .

Cult Classic is the kind of record that rewards listeners for sticking it out to the end. Since many music writers base their reviews on the first three or four songs of a record, Scarlet might suffer for this - after all, they do kick off the record with arguably familiar metalcore elements, which might get them accused of biting some style from this band or that. To be fair, Scarlet's sound definitely incorporates things that would appeal to fans of The Dillinger Escape Plan, or maybe Between The Buried and Me. But after a few minutes, Cult Classic reveals a unique spirit - it shows itself to be a moody, passionate record, with lots of characteristics to distinguish Scarlet from their numerous contemporaries.

One such distinction is a clear stoner-rock element. Things get spacy more than a couple of times, especially toward the end of the record. These toned-down interludes seem essential in framing Cult Classic's more 'chug-chug-wee-wee' moments, as well as the dissonant noodling and doodling. Add in a ton of grooves and what you get is a very big, dark, brooding, almost tribal sound, layered with chaotic, coarse textures. Very little of Cult Classic is catchy in terms of traditional pop sensibilities, but it's so damn heavy and almost hypnotic that listeners will nonetheless be drawn to it.

Part of this record's success is its excellent pacing. Scarlet never relies on a clever part for too many measures - not one riff is abused, and yet each idea feels thoroughly explored and allowed to run its course. Even the vocals, which are often monotone, mid-range metal screams, take some surprise twists and turns here and there - though not as often as the rest of the music. The guys in Scarlet seem to have a knack for tasteful arrangements, and Cult Classic is a cohesive, deliberate sculpture that reflects a specific and refined collective vision.

This record is a very smooth listening experience. Scarlet take a few risks and wind up delivering a fairly mature, rich full length that is clearly the best thing they have ever done. And while some might dismiss it as just another derivative offering from just another metalcore band, a few good listens will bring Cult Classic's unique qualities front and center. Being in a heavy band these days is like trying to yell to your friend at the other end of a crowded stadium, but Scarlet are dying to get - and hold - your attention. And they're doing everything possible to do so.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

Dyrwen (August 10, 2004)

I'd say the lyrics are what make this CD important and good.

They're both dark and humorous at the same time. The vocals are very much just passionate dry screams which are sometimes at least understandable as far as the lyrics go.

The lines: "You are the money hungry prostitute swine. Selling your soul one dollar at a time. You are the money hungry prostitute swine. Open your legs and recite these lines." Really stick out and the rest of their songs are quite interesting overall. The composition of this CD runs well together with another, but again, this is just a uniquely written album, the music however can be a little redundant. It is a good CD, but nothing that great.

They certainly are much better live.

Anonymous (June 17, 2004)

I love this band.
Here in holland everything sounds like hatebreed kinda stuff...

That's why I hate Holland

GYBE (April 3, 2004)

Zao is really the only band I would go see on Ferret.

Anonymous (March 18, 2004)

While it's not true they all sound the same, it is true the entire Ferret roster sucks ass.

Anonymous (March 17, 2004)

What the fuck, how do you get the bronx and A static Lullaby in the same fucking sentence you dumb fucker. I fucking hate you.

- Romeo

PS I hate A Static Lullaby

Anonymous (March 17, 2004)

"the bronx sound nothing like a static lullaby"

Great dude, you started off with naming two bands who aren't really on the label....great dude! keep up the good work.

Anonymous (March 15, 2004)

that last comment obviously posted with no real knowledge of ferret's roster. the bronx sound nothing like a static lullaby, who in turn sound nothing like the break, who sound nothing like blod has been shed. shut the fuck up.

Anonymous (March 15, 2004)

more than fat, more than epitaph, more than drive-in, more than victory, and more than vagrant...every single band on this fucking label sounds exactly the fucking same

Anonymous (March 15, 2004)

Theyre ok on CD, but I gotta say, this band's live performance is pretty awesome.

Anonymous (March 14, 2004)

who writes home about anything these days?

FortyMinutesWest (March 14, 2004)

Eh, this band is decent, nothing to write home about though.

Anonymous (March 13, 2004)

metalcore sucks ass

Anonymous (March 13, 2004)

"GOD DAMN IT. every single review of every single metalcore band ever says "while this may sound like your run of the mill metalcore, it's not" WELL FUCK THAT"

i'll drink in agreement to that