Red Eye Pariah – Tequila King (2024)
Known for their electric performances, energetic melodies, moving lyricism and genre-diverse style, Red Eye Pariah turn heads internationally as they ride their “meteoric rise” through the UK and Irish music scenes. Pushing the confidence and energy of their live shows through to studio recordings, listening to the Irish foursome is more than a song – it’s an immersive experience. Now, this is my introduction to Red Eye Pariah, yet I feel I have known them for years; and despite not having enjoyed their music live I feel the raw power of their natural talent in each track. The latest addition to their discography is the EP Tequila King.
The culmination of their last three independent singles, and the new single ‘Words’, Tequila King is a four-track EP spanning different flavours of rock from different eras. A fleck of folk peeking through the sonic veil, and Britpop kicking it up in ‘The Rounds’. Interestingly, while Red Eye Pariah is ideal for fans of mid-2000s bands The Maccabees and Two Door Cinema Club, vintage 90s alternative rock swings along songs like ‘So Long’.
Recorded and produced at Manor Park Studio by Neal Calderwood, he sprinkles his magic on Tequila King enhancing the sophistication of Red Eye Pariah’s work. Yet, just as there is maturity and sophistication in Tequila King, each track breathes a sense of raw grittiness and innocence. From the pounding drums to scorching guitars, bold bass and rich vocals, ‘These Daze Have Just Begun’, ‘The Rounds’, ‘Words’ and ‘So Long’ are all powerful rushes of music tossing listeners into a hurricane of rock sound.
While each track wriggles into your ears, knocks about your cranium and slivers down your spine, it is the lyricism and theme that makes the songs weighty. Exploring reality from its grit to glory, Red Eye Pariah take us on a journey from early “coming-of-age” days to tricky relationships and mature acceptance of their experiences. Moreover, each song’s melody perfectly aligns with the raw essence of its theme…message…concept…whatever. All I know is that the fearfulness but excitement of beginning life knocks about in the rock-filled ‘These Daze Have Just Began’; just as ‘The Rounds’ bouncier folk-rock meets indie-rock fits with the butterflies-in-the-tummy of meeting “the one”.
While Red Eye Pariah uses personal narratives to capture audiences, the group is eager for each listener to interpret their own way. They explain:
“We wanted to tell a story but give everyone the opportunity to decide which character they are and how they fit into it. All our music is based on our experiences because it’s important our art reflects our reality. We also believe in leaving things open to interpretation and Tequila King was our way to get the best of both worlds.”
The four-track EP is an intriguing rush of eclectic music, so choosing a favourite is rather difficult. For me, ‘Words’ edges ahead in my race of “so which track’s going to take the number one spot?” The heaviness of its hard-hitting alternative rock cheekily pinched by a slip of reggae bounce and soaring guitars is a true representation of the intricacy of toxic relationships.
Oscillating between good and bad, vulnerability and confidence, complexity and heartfelt simplicity, Red Eye Pariahs are a precious gem to be admired and adored.
Find out more about Red Eye Pariah on their Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
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