"In the forests of Englandshire, something stirs and with the rustling leaves and chorus of words whispered upon the wind announcing the return of ethereal duo Red Painted Red. Although they are actually based in Manchester, their music is not the music of the urban combat zone but more of parallel organic deconstruction.
This is art, of course, but a curiously soothing art being superficially like a series of musical pictures painted in pastel. The undercurrent, though, is a lot greyer than that pretty landscape would ever be with inner torment high on the lyrical agenda. Yew's dramatic vocal interpretations dose those dark words with emotion adding a notable edge to the disturbing sentiments expressed in "I Can't See" and "Days To Die From Paracetamol" and, balanced against her siren like charms, are some truly bleak and, at times, almost industrial ambient soundscapes. An acquired taste they may be but Red Painted Red are the archetypal square peg that refuses resolutely to fit in the round hole of mediocrity.
The elaborate packaging of the CD is also worthy of note for those who still like it physical."
"During 2011 many compliments have been delivered to Esben And The Witch for their intense Witchcraft-inspired songs. Those same plaudits could easily be applied to Manchester duo Red Painted Red who offer a similarly riveting selection of arcane songwriting. Their new album features the usual lovingly hand-crafted packaging but surprising signs of lightening up too.There is undoubtedly a sinister undercurrent and surface to Red Painted Red’s material.
One only has to glance over titles such as ‘Days To Die From Paracetamol’ to know this. However, there is also more ambition on show this time. So look beyond the oppressive, thunderous noise of ‘Misunderstood’ and turn instead to ‘Safe In Sleep’. It’s actually a tender-sounding ballad even if it’s most likely to be about dying. ‘God Song (Fools And Fire)’ and ‘I Can’t See’ also reveal a hitherto hidden commercial flair. Still, it’s a relief to note they haven’t shed their black cloaks completely, as ‘Wondering How They Fly’ brings events to a full-blooded, shuddering halt. So overall, this an interesting development in the career of Red Painted Red. There is a risk of losing a cult following but balanced against the potential of appealing to a wider audience of gothic folk, it’s a risk worth taking."