The Sigla Blog

The Redneck Manifesto
I Am Brazil ***

This is the third album from a Dublin band consistently pushing things forward musically. Experimental without leaving the listener behind, the composition is clever and original. The addition of keyboards to the bass/drum/two guitar line-up adds a warm tone to these tracks, which is more low-key than earlier work. These boys like their trashy guitars too (’Break Your Fingers Laughing’) but generally TRM favour layers of sound that build subtly as on the pensive and brilliant ‘Hibernation Statement’. The only thing about Redneck Manifesto albums is that they just don’t capture what the band is capable of live. At the launch of this album recently, they oozed energy, even on the quieter tracks, not least because of Richie Egan’s admission that he’d been scoffing caffeine tablets from Boots. They’re frantic to watch but it’s all orchestrated to a tee. No one does the slow-fast-slow stuff as well as they do.
We say: Staggeringly good music to let your mind wander to.

Info: Trust Me I’m A Thief