Red Sand – Pain’t Box (SPBN Records, 2024)
With their eleventh studio album, Pain’t Box, Canadian progressive rock band Red Sand reaffirm their status as torchbearers of the Neo-Progressive Rock scene in North America. Founded in 2004 by the ever-inventive guitarist Simon Caron, this Quebec City-based ensemble has spent two decades carving out an unmistakable niche. Pain’t Box is both a continuation of their signature style and an ambitious leap forward, presenting six tracks that range from tightly woven compositions to an expansive, audacious 31-minute suite.
The album opens with “Wake Up the Child,” an effervescent track that sets the tone for what’s to come. Anchored by riff-heavy guitars and majestic Mellotron, the song strikes a balance between intricacy and power. Its multi-layered arrangement features elegant vocal lines, an intricate bass groove, dynamic drumming, and an acoustic guitar flourish that serves as a perfect counterpoint to the commanding electric guitar solos.
“Us” takes a more pastoral route in its opening, with delicate acoustic guitars gently pulling the listener in before the song explodes into a symphonic, high-energy interplay of epic guitar leads and keyboards. The drumming here is particularly noteworthy.
“Time,” the third track, shifts gears toward a more mainstream rock sound. Its catchy vocal hooks and driving beats make it an accessible yet sophisticated entry.
On “Breaking Wings,” the tempo slows, revealing a blues-inflected atmosphere that recalls Pink Floyd’s later works. The song’s highlight is an achingly beautiful guitar solo that soars above the understated arrangement.
The jubilant “Poland” stands out with its majestic choruses and exquisite electric guitar work. It’s a triumphant piece, brimming with optimism and musical grandeur, and it showcases the band’s ability to craft uplifting, anthemic compositions.
Finally, the 31-minute epic “Tie” is the album’s magnum opus. Beginning with a burst of hard-rocking guitars (which mercifully give way quickly), the track evolves into a labyrinthine masterpiece. Complex time signature changes weave seamlessly with rapid-fire acoustic guitar passages, pastoral strings, and moments of introspective calm. This track epitomizes the band’s ambition and musicianship, delivering a satisfying conclusion to an album that refuses to play it safe.
Red Sand is a band unafraid to stretch boundaries, crafting music that is as technically impressive as it is emotionally resonant. Fans of Neo-Prog—and progressive music in general—will find this album a richly rewarding experience.
Red Sand includes Simon Caron on electric and acoustic guitars, bass, and keyboards, Michel Renaud on lead and backing vocals, and Perry Angelillo on drums. For live performances, they are joined by André Godbout on bass and backing vocals.
Pain’t Box was produced by Simon Caron, mixed by Michel St-Père (Mystery, Huis), and mastered by Richard Addison. All songs were written, composed, arranged, and produced by Simon Caron, with lyrics by Barbara Caron.
Pain’t Box is available as a Digipak CD via the band’s label. Additionally, it will be released on vinyl through Poland’s Oskar Records. Fans can order the album directly from Red Sand’s official website at www.redsandmusic.ca.