Somehow, Paradise only gets better from there. ‘Why is the world on fire?’ asks the damningly prophetic 100,000 Candles, while Edmond Girls counterpoints with a portrait of faded romance delivered with percussive poignancy. At nearly six minutes, the title-track is by far the longest on the album, but it’s loaded with high-impact, life-affirming substance. Rolling in on Thin Lizzy-esque harmonised guitars, Doin’ It For Love unfolds with the sort of loose stadium swagger that would do Bruce Springsteen himself proud. Then Fremont Casino carries off its washed-out Americana with clapping hands and beating heart, before Gutterland races to the finish-line with 157 seconds of barn-burning attitude.
Ultimately, of course, Red City Radio offer little in the way of cutting-edge sound. But celebration can be just as good as innovation – especially when it’s delivered with a much authenticity and punch as this.
Verdict: 4/5
For Fans Of: Hot Water Music, The Lawrence Arms, The Menzingers
Paradise is out now via Pure Noise