No nonsense. That’s the phrase that immediately springs to mind when you hear Birmingham based rockers Redline and their debut album, Ignition. 

Redline comprise members forged in the NWOBHM era who play an uncompromising, unashamedly raw and direct brand of hard rock. There are clearly no airs and graces to this lot and I can’t imagine them apologising for that – and nor should they. 

The band formed in 2006, releasing an EP, “King Of The Mountain” which is also the leadoff track on this album. It quickly became the unofficial anthem of The Isle Of Man TT Road Races, helping make the band firm favourites within the biker community and at many a rock and bike gathering. Second track, “No Limits” was also a hit at the TT Centenary celebrations earlier this year and the band gained decent reviews from their performance at the inaugural Hard Rock Hell “boot camp” at Butlins, Minehead this last weekend. 

The music is nothing new and is not going to revolutionise the music scene. What it is though is extremely well played and in vocalist Liam Doherty, Redline have a singer perfect for fronting this type of band and who would undoubtedly be equally at home in a live setting. He is a cut above the majority of singers that used to frequent this genre, as exemplified in particular on slower track, “Cold Silence”. 

The band are certainly a throwback to yesteryear, but the decent production brings new life to the style and guitarist A.D. certainly delivers enough quality riffs to again lift the band above the average. 

I’ve heard a few NWOBHM-styled albums this year, in particular in the form of reissues from that period, but I have to say that this is easily the best thing I’ve heard in the genre. To be fair, it’s not the type of thing I would normally choose to listen to, but if I am ever in the mood for some good, old-fashioned no frills rock, then I would not hesitate to reach for this album. 

Definitely recommended for all you “old-school” rock fans out there…although any fans of quality, melodic-tinged, hard rock should check it out too. 

Let us know your views on Ignition

Track Listing

King of the Mountain
No Limits
Twistin’ The Knife
Cold Silence
High Price to Pay
Some Kinda’ Mean
Straight Between the Eyes
Coast To To Coast
Heaven’s Gate
Ride

Line Up

Liam Doherty - Vocals
A.D. - Guitars
Martin Orum - Bass
Mark Biddiscombe - Drums