Red Line Chemistry guitarist Andy Breit states, “The first single ‘Dumb Luck’, is about breaking away from the status quo”. This is the general attitude the band takes when creating music – being different. So, with their second album, Dying For A Living, does their band ethos ring true?

Unfortunately, not really. There is nothing here that separates RLC from other heavy rock bands. However, that isn’t to say that they don’t bring anything to the table at all. The album contains a few rocking riffs, that will be appreciated by people who prefer their rock metallic and distorted.

“Vicious Cycles” is an effective opener, with it’s mysterious opening, swiftly followed by its hectic verses and calming choruses. Although the lyrics don’t really add anything of interest, Brett Ditgen’s vocal melodies, on this song and throughout the album, are dynamic and engaging.

“Plastic Masquerade” is memorable, due to its extended instrumental beginning. It has an almost “epic” feel to it, but this feeling, and the atmosphere created by the introduction, sadly disappears when Ditgen starts singing. After that, it just sounds boring, when compared with it’s opening.

The album does have an enjoyable, yet surprising ending. Before the final track is “Ultragigantor”, which is definitely the heaviest song on the album, with it’s bassline building the same amount of tension as the “Jaws” theme song. But its “So Many Days” that makes for a surprising ending, as it is so completely far apart from the other material on the album. There are no electric guitars or drums, just an acoustic guitar and a cello complimenting Ditgen’s soft vocals. This track proves that RLC are capable of standing out.

In order to create a truly unique album, however, they need to experiment more and take greater risks with their music.