Review Summary: A memorable sunrise that won't set if they keep this up
RED SUN RISING has taken the US by storm since the release of 'The Otherside' back in June. Their newest album, Polyester Zeal, has catapulted them into the spotlight of rock music, as it isn't today's rock, but a new rock alternative. Because much like The Otherside, there are a lot of songs on the record that will soon follow the same path as The Otherside did. With Alice In Chains and Soundgarden influenced songs, this album certainly doesn't disappoint. But sadly, just like every other band out there, there's always going to be those two or three songs that prevent it from being a perfect record. This album suffers that fate with songs like Emotionless and Imitation, both with weak hooks and passable lyric writing. Although soundwise, every song is great.
'Push' starts this memorable sunrise, which for sure has a heart and backbone, as well as good lyrics. Many claim this to be flat and boring, but it isn't. However, the problem is the chorus: "Push and/Pull you/Push and/Pull you/Push and pull you in and out!" That's nothing compared to the rest of them. Amnesia takes somg writing to another level, a classic song, and the first excellent song on the record, though almost every song on the record qualifies as one.
The Otherside is a classic, and is followed by My Muse, a more dark and haunting song, showing us a more eerie side to RSR. Then comes Emotionless, a dull song that isn't necessarily bad, but it takes a long time for the song to get into a jive you can actually enjoy. Blister, a song that was actually produced in 2012, was put onto this record, and is much like The Otherside, a classic song. This time, about our world, filled with self centered, unhelpful, and sickening human beings, that has no end to, as long as there is blood on Mike Protich's hands. Worlds Away, a less likable, but still enjoyable song, has a catchy sound behind it and just like the last five songs, excellent lyric writing.
However, the last four songs weigh down this record, all in which suffer the same fate as Emotionless. However, they are far more catchy and enjoyable. But it's the closing track, Imitation, that out of the gates prevents this from deserving a 5.0. A song about being yourself or commiting suicide, it doesn't really offer anything, and there's almost no substance to this whatsoever.
Overall, RSR is definitely off on the right foot, and records like these will guarantee these Akron boys a long successful career. The only thing they need to change is to get rid of songs like Imitatin and Emotionless, and they'll mark their name into record books before you know it.
