Sunshadows is a trio from France, founded in 2013. This is their first effort, giving us a strong modern rock sound and promising an interesting future for this band. Somehow I think all members have had some experience in previous bands, mainly in the heavy rock genres. There are elements of grunge, nu-metal, alternative and industrial rock and the vocals range from raps to melodic sing-alongs. In that way, yes Sunshadows might just be an upcoming smashhit.
For the main part, the songs on this album are down tempo rock songs, driving on strong guitar riffs and featuring very decent vocals. This is one of those bands I'd like to discover on festivals when the play in the hot afternoon. Like mine are doing now, I'm sure a lot of feet will tap along with the drums. Somehow they remind me of a mix between Deftones, Alice In Chains, Limp Bizkit and Stone Sour, or at least somewhere in between these acts.
Oh, and there's more. Sunshadows are not afraid to incorporate some electronics in their sound, even to the extend of crossing genres over to hip-hop (in 'Starlight') or psychedelic trance sequences in 'Two Lives'. 'Lied To Myself' even opens a bit Massive Attack-like and contains more raps than melodic vocals lines, reminding me of Linkin Park. That being said, I really dig the distorted guitar sound on this album.
I can see Sunshadows gain a lot of attention with the new generation of young rockers. This is one of those bands a young music discoverer might embrace and follow forever, eventually becoming responsible for a lifelong but satisfying journey into the immense world of rock music. I wouldn't be surprised if I see a lot of adolescents shouting and singing on top of their lungs when Sunshadows play 'If I Die' live. This song also has a tremendous goth rock feel, so there's even more fans to gain there.
In all, Red Herring is an excellent modern rock album with enough power to convince a lot of people, especially if they can deliver it live as energetic as on CD (or mp3 if you prefer that). So, my not so extreme music lovers, this might be something for you, a great blend of popular underground rock styles, capable of getting parties and festivals started. What more could you possibly desire?
Serge