After the success of 2011’s ” Dying For A Living,” the hard hitting rockers from Kansas City, Red Line Chemistry, are back with a brand new album “Tug of War.” Their experience with “Dying” and the subsequent tour has resulted in a more mature sound and a higher level of confidence from the band. “Tug of War” was produced by Nick Raskulinecz and overall has a much heavier feel than prior albums. Accompanying the heavier sound are darker lyrics and more aggressive vocals from lead singer Brett Ditgen. The result is a fantastic album.
The tight rhythm section of bassist Tom Brown and drummer Mike Mazzarese provide the perfect backdrop to the screaming guitars of Andy Breit and Dave Fyten as the band thunders through the singles “Unspoken” and the anthemic “Paralyzed.” The powerful tracks continue with “Black Roses,” “Tug of War,” and “Sucker Punch.” A slight departure from the heaviness occurs with the more laid back song, “Through the Haze,” which has an almost trippy quality to it. Closing the album is a powerful cover of Pink Floyd’s “What Do You Want From Me” which was nicely done combining original Floyd elements with Red Line Chemistry’s heavier touch. It was a gutsy move by the band and it certainly paid off.
“Tug of War” is a powerful album with strong riffs and solid songwriting. It’s the best record Red Line Chemistry has done and one not to be missed.
