After the Last

The Red Thread play music with a distinctive southwest feel, that alt-country/Americana sound made popular by bands like The Shins or The Beachwood Sparks and the bands who came before them, many of whom have some tie-in to Uncle Tupelo. On a more obscure level, this could easily be on the FilmGuerrero label, alongside bands like Tracker or Norfolk & Western. While maintaining some of the solemnity of an act such as Red House Painters, The Red Thread also knows how to rock in a classy way a la Chris Isaak. Surprisingly, they even do one heck of a job taking a Bad Brains song ("Sailin' On") and making it sound about the furthest thing from what the Rastafarian foursome created while still creating a good, solid tune. The use of the slide guitar and lulling vocals are also included and are just one other addition to this already well-produced, well-performed nine song album. After The Last is definitely an appropriate album for the Badman label and a wonderful example of the true southwest rock sound.