real horrorshow - scarlet

Real Horrorshow

Scarlet
self-released; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

While studying audio engineering at college Miles Blue Spruce and Taylor Bradshaw aka Real Horrorshow decided to make music together and you should be happy they did. Their recent effort Scarlet is a genre-bending collection of songs that doesn't sound gimmicky but rather loose, fun and unpretentious. They like to mix it up between organic instrumentation and electronic into an inventive concoction of sounds that serve as canvas for the singing/rapping hybrid. Perhaps the most engaging aspect of the music is the contrast between the guitar and saxophone. On multiple occasions Spruce rips up a sax part that melds with Bradshaw’s guitar. 

Take for example the first track “Packrat,” which immediately establishes the symbiotic if unexpected relationship between the two instruments. The vocal content during the verse veers towards rapping but feels fun even somewhat self-deprecating. The lyrics are ambiguous almost like a silly non sequitur in which you could interpret the meaning in multiple ways. The vocalist sings, “Heart attack like a packrat sleepin' on a rack that’s purring from the voltage running through Saw the rawness of your sawdust thawin' out my jaw, just slurring, ready to resume.” When the chorus hits it is catchy and is on the verge of being memorable. It’s a swift transition from the verse that is done with ease.

“Desert Crimson” has a Mediterranean vibe that gets meshed with pop sensibilities. It's a delightfully original track that as it progresses layers in synths and other electronic elements. The singing style is again unique as it is strategically placed within the song. I loved the singing but the sax is arguably the star of the show on this song.

“Judge Trial Jury” is a percussive heavy song with a fast BPM that was somewhat reminiscent of the band Islands. They experiment with vocal harmonies as they layer specific words and phrases to emphasize their impact. The closer “All The Same” is an upbeat, fast-paced song that ends the EP with more energy than it started with. 

Scarlet is a solid effort from the duo, which firmly places them as ones to watch. In the meantime Scarlet should keep you satisfied.

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