Metal Underground.com

A self-described combination of Garbage and the Cult, Rhode Island Red serves up some fine female-fronted hard rock on the "Kerosene" EP. It's an excellent disc that definitely serves to increase one's appetite for a full-length disc from these London-based rockers.

Singer Lyla D'Souza is definitely the star here, with a voice that's a bit reminiscent of Garbage's Shirley Manson. D'Souza shows an impressive range, going from the slinky vocals of "Kerosene" ("you light me on fire, honey, drench me with your kerosene"), to the angry shouts of "Beige" and finally to the beautiful balladry of "Stalemate."

Guitarists Andrea Basiola and Dave Garfield more than earn their keep on the title track alone, with stinging leads that perfectly punctuate D'Souza's vocals. their acoustic work on "Stalemate" is also impressive. It's not exactly a criticism to say that bassist Mike McGuinness and drummer Rha Stranges don't call much attention to themselves, given that they pull off their supporting role quite well.

There's not much to criticize here, save that "Stalemate" is a little weak, lyrically speaking. Frankly, the biggest complaint to be had is that at 14 minutes, the EP left me wanting more.

An excellent hard rock EP full of great guitar licks and powerful vocals, here's hoping "Kerosene" lights the way to bigger and better things for Rhode Island Red.