B-Side Guys

Emerging from the vibrant Denver music scene, Red Light Ritual’s debut studio album “Desiderium” is a testament to the trio’s uncompromising vision and raw, unfiltered energy. Comprised of Dom Moulin (Guitar & Vocals), Sam Moylan (Bass), and Ben Charpentier (Percussion & Vocals), the band has carved out a unique sonic niche that defies easy categorization, drawing from a diverse range of influences including stoner rock, grunge, progressive metal, and blues.

From the opening instrumental title track, it’s clear that Red Light Ritual is not content to simply rehash the tropes of their chosen genres. Instead, they seek to push the boundaries of what is possible within the framework of heavy, guitar-driven rock music. The band’s sound is defined by their unrelenting heavy tonality, intricate polyrhythmic layering, and propensity for progressive, psychedelic riffs, all of which are on full display throughout the album’s eight tracks.

The first single, “Beatnik Blues,” sets the tone for the rest of the album with its driving rhythm section and searing guitar work. Moulin’s vocals are a particular highlight, alternating between a soulful croon and a grungy growl that perfectly captures the song’s themes of addiction and deception. The chorus, with its refrain of “I see your puzzle, how it lies on me,” is both catchy and unsettling, a perfect encapsulation of the band’s ability to craft memorable hooks without sacrificing their edge.

Other standout tracks include “Crystal Clear,” a scorching rocker with a propulsive bass line and some of Moulin’s most impassioned vocal work, and “FWDR,” a sprawling, psychedelic epic that showcases the band’s more experimental tendencies. The latter track, in particular, is a testament to Red Light Ritual’s willingness to take risks and push themselves creatively, with its shifting time signatures and haunting vocal harmonies.

Lyrically, the album deals with themes of addiction, betrayal, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels cold and unforgiving. Moulin’s words are often cryptic and open to interpretation, but they never feel pretentious or overwrought. Instead, they serve as a perfect complement to the band’s muscular, no-frills approach to songwriting and performance.

One of the album’s most impressive feats is its ability to maintain a consistent level of intensity and focus throughout its runtime. Even on the more subdued tracks like “Exile From The Zoo” and “Favor,” there is a sense of barely contained chaos lurking just beneath the surface, ready to explode at any moment. This is due in no small part to the band’s airtight musicianship and obvious chemistry, which allows them to navigate even the most complex arrangements with ease.

Production-wise, “Desiderium” is a triumph, capturing the band’s live energy without sacrificing clarity or nuance. The guitar tones are thick and meaty, the bass is punchy and prominent, and the drums are recorded in a way that highlights Charpentier’s impressive technical prowess. It’s clear that a great deal of care and attention to detail went into the making of this album, and it shows in every aspect of the finished product.

In a genre that is often accused of being stuck in the past, Red Light Ritual’s “Desiderium” feels like a breath of fresh air. While the band wears their influences on their sleeves, they never come across as derivative or unoriginal. Instead, they use their deep knowledge of heavy music’s past to push the genre forward in new and exciting directions. With its perfect balance of raw power and progressive experimentation, “Desiderium” is an album that demands to be heard by anyone with even a passing interest in heavy rock music.

As a debut album, “Desiderium” is a stunning achievement that sets the bar incredibly high for Red Light Ritual’s future output. If this is just the beginning for the Denver trio, one can only imagine the heights they will reach as they continue to grow and evolve as artists. For now, though, we can simply revel in the sheer force and beauty of this remarkable album, a true gem in the crown of the Mile High City’s already impressive music scene.