CoC : Red Tide - Hybrid : Review

Red Tide - _Hybrid_
by: Brian Meloon (4 out of 5)

Red Tide return with a partially new demo, which is better than their previous offering, but which still leaves room for improvement. The big problem with their last demo, _Expressions_ (see CoC #3) was the vocals, which thankfully have been fixed this time around. While the last demo's vocals were flat and generally not thought out very well, this demo has more standard hardcore-like vocals, which at least fit the music better. They're even harmonized in one spot, which is an interesting twist. Overall, this is heavier and less diverse than their previous offering, and it appears they've moved in the direction of Candiria (see CoC #11), which is a good thing. Their material retains the Cynic-like jazz breaks, and the melodic attitude, with some similarities to what's usually called 'progressive metal'. The playing is usually good, with some impressive dense drumming, but there still are a few spots where they're not as tight as they could be. The production is again fine. Unfortunately, _Hybrid_ only includes three new tracks, as two of them ("Truth Within" and "Absent from Sight") were on _Expressions_.

Contact: Red Tide, P.O. Box 1434, Avon, CT, 06001, USA

(article published 7/6/1997)

ALBUMS
8/12/1997	B Meloon	7	Red Tide - Vicious Circle

DEMOS
10/1/1995	B Meloon		Red Tide - Expressions