Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Here's an album issued on Freedom, the subsidiary of soul, blues and gospel label Malaco, which escaped my notice when released in 1998. It was recorded at the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama but anything further from the famed Muscle Shoals soul sound that musicians black and white conjured up for Joe Public back in the '60s and '70s would be hard to imagine. Redline were a rock four piece and producers Kent Bruce and David Mast have recorded them raw and earthy on 11 songs written by vocalist Dave Mast and guitarist Adam Redding. Dave is a so-so singer and an occasionally intriguing lyricist and the love your enemies song "Different Kind Of Man" definitely grabs attention ("Take from me what you will/Take my coat and take your fill/You kick me while I'm down/I pray you'll turn around/You walk all over me/Your hate is plain to see/You slap my face/A warm embrace to a different kind of man/And I know I'm here to love my enemies/And I know I'm here to love you"). I've no idea how long Redline existed and whether they ever had the chance to sing "Different Kind Of Man" before a hostile and angry crowd, but all credit to Mr Mast and co for singing such a courageous song. Unfortunately, throughout the whole album the lack of musical variation and rather rudimentary drumming makes for a less than exciting listen. But no doubt there will be Redline enthusiasts somewhere in the US trying to find a copy of this album.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.