Days Of The New 3

Days of the New as a band have persevered through many setbacks, thanks in a large part to frontman Travis Meeks' undying passion for music. Red finds Meeks and his latest batch of musicians in a precarious position, trying to find a spot in a music scene that has been less than inspiring for alt-rock bands, yet in all actuality may be Days of the New's strongest release to date. Musically, Meeks and company stretch their tendrils into such unlikely directions as country and bluegrass, all the while retaining that solid rock & roll backbone that has shaped the band since day one. Meeks remains the same vocally, although the dark moodiness has lessened in tone. Songs such as the album opener "Hang on to This" and "Days in Our Life" are definitely pure rock & roll heaven, yet most interesting are the mellower tracks, "Dirty Road" and "Once Again." Days of the New's Red album may not make waves, but it is certainly an admirable rock album that doesn't resort to trends or fads to catch the listener, and instead relies on proven methods of musical pleasure. ~ Jason D. Taylor