'Liminal Space' launches The Redroom into the spotlight
- blondevibrations
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
A band like no other, The Redroom, have released their debut EP, 'Liminal Space' -- and this is an EP completely covered with with sparkling lights pointing to this five-piece band being the next big thing! Made up of Jessica Lewis-Ward, Jake Elliot, Dominic Aldridge, Matthew Dodds, and Charlie McDonald, The Redroom pair relatable yet brutally honest lyricism with a one-of-a-kind cross-genre soundscape. The EP truly encapsulates what this band stands for, and lays a great foundation for the future of the group.
The Fear
Having first listened to the EP's lead single, 'The Fear', upon its initial release in January, it's safe to say that this is a powerful and infectious song, that really sets a tone for the rest of the project. On the song's creation, lyricist and lead singer Jess Lewis-Ward confesses that she suffered from repeated cases of 'beer fear' when first moving to Manchester and 'that all too familiar dread about last night's actions,' sharing that 'this night in particular was one for the books so I decided to write a tune about it.' This candid and reflective approach to writing songs is one of our favourite, as we see with many songs currently trending by the likes of pop girls like Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande. The track encapsulates this hangxiety, lyrics like 'Waking up, I've lost the time / Unprepared to face my mind' with repeated double claps and repetitive song structure sends you down the rabbit-hole of overthinking the night before. Yet its heavy jazz influences and instantly memorable chorus insert that bit of humour and excitement of those crazy drunken nights.
Requiem
Paired wonderfully with 'The Fear', 'Requiem' feels like a B-side to that tongue-in-cheek reflection. The track begins with a quieter approach than that of the opening track, then opens up to a bustling chorus. In having these stripped back elements featured in this song, it feels like we are invited into the candid mind of songwriter Jess -- occasionally without the bells and whistles of the band's evidently detailed instrumentalism. The song yearns 'You know I will say goodbye' and its dramatic breakdown feels like the explosion of emotions when you know a relationship must end, before it is truly over. Every track on this EP stands alone and is a strong example of The Redroom's incredible sound, and 'Requiem' is no different; this is a rare case in which the songs compliment one another perfectly in the track list, but also each work as an individual tune. You often see even more distinguished bands struggle with striking this balance, therefore it's wonderful to see The Redroom hit this nail on the head straight away.
Liminal Space
Upon first listen, we were so pleasantly surprised to find an interlude track in the middle of the EP. Of course, it goes without saying the satisfaction of the EP's title track, 'Liminal Space' being a transitional moment right in the middle of the project, in line with the phrase's meaning. As a band, The Redroom is a wonderful patchwork of genres and eras, 'Liminal Space' is the perfect example of this. A jazzy transitional moment that allows the listener a moment to breath and re-situate themselves in the storytelling that's happening in this EP, with just over a minute of calmness, this track makes sure you are listening and paying attention to everything being said or done in this band's project and keeps you hooked waiting for the following songs.
Making Me a Stranger
As we reach 'Making Me a Stranger', the undeniable harmony within the band continues to shine. Each element, from the drums and guitar providing a heartbeat for the track to lock in their distinctive and immersive sound, to the vocals that weld seamlessly into this instrumentation and elevates their sound even more. Whilst already impressive and energetic, you can already see the potential of this arrangement being brought to life during a live set, with so much room to stretch and invite the audience to feel every note and lyric. The chorus allows the momentum built throughout the verses reach new heights, to a place of pure anthemic energy, and it's a moment to raise a beer to. As the track nears the end, Jess brings it home with her soulful vocals, landing with impact on the final 'don't you understand'. The smokiness of her tone is really allowed to linger on this track, adding a lived in texture to its overall feel that the listener can sink into fully. She is a truly promising vocalist whose rich sound compliments to track entirely and allows the band to shine as a cohesive act.
Nowadays
'Nowadays' sits perfectly between vintage indie charm, and exploring the emotional complexity of modern life, making sense of the struggle and beauty of growing in this time. There is a fusion of genres at play, almost echoing an early, gritty, Arctic Monkeys-esque soundscape at points, but this is paired with softer, more intimate moments of reflection in the lyrics. It's the kind of track that embodies the wiping away of smudged mascara at the end of a long night, heavy hearted but beautifully real. A sense of heartache settles into the final minute of 'Nowadays', like the closing credits to an era slowly slipping away, urging you to hang onto every last word. As it fades out, a true moment of finality is presented as you are left to sit with the lasting memory of this EP and its overall impact.
From even the first listen, 'Liminal Space' is a real presentation of the tight knit energy of The Redroom, with an EP that blends quality and cohesion in every track. This band is one to keep an eye on as they would be an exciting addition to any festival lineup.
You heard it here first: The Redroom is here to stay.
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