Red Dragon Cartel Release New Video

Jake E. Lee's Red Dragon Cartel just released a new video for their song "Shout It Out." The song is from the band's self-titled debut.

I read some comments on the video, complaining about D.J. Smith and his vocals. Suddenly it dawned on me why people are complaining about Red Dragon Cartel period: the band sounds modern. I guess everyone just assumed Jake E. Lee would form a retro (read:80s) sounding sort of metal band. When that didn't exactly happen, I guess it caused a little shock. I get that. I listened to "Shout It Out" about five times in a row, thinking about the track. I decided it sounds like something that commercial rock radio will definitely play... and really, that has to be goal here. I mean, this is professional music and the guys in Red Dragon Cartel want to book shows and make money. Making songs that fit in with today's rock scene makes sense. What do you think?

View on YouTube

Comments

[Him]

I think you hit the nail on the head, Allyson. That, coupled with the admitted disaster that was their first (rushed into and under-rehearsed) show, has led to the blow back.

I think both singles are solid. And I think that RDC will likely settle into something approximating "their" sound--recall that this was an album already a long way towards completion when they hired Smith--if they make it to a second album.

I find it difficult to complain having JEL back making music. But I am biased.

[fletch]

I am seeing them @ m3 and am excited to do so.

[Badland]

I think you missed out on one of the best bands ever. Badlands. If you had ever seen them live we wouldn't even be having this conversation. Enjoy the new Jake but it will never be the same.

[david lee roth]

That's the trouble with never. :]

[Metalboy!]

I don't hear "Modern", per se. I hear sort of 70's Classic Rock meets 80's Hair Metal with subtle Zeppelinesque references. And I like Smith's voice.

I think HIM's theory will bear out accurately when we hear the next album.

[Him]

Who was it that "missed out" on Badlands, Badland? Gillen was amazing and his was a life cut too short (I still imagine what he would have done in Sabbath if he has stuck around longer).

It would be a fool's game to try and replicate that band. So JEL doesn't. Makes sense to me.

[bkallday]

Not a fan.

[Ace Steele]

Anyone looking for "modern" won't be looking to Jake E. Lee.

[Dj]

I love it. I hear a ton of modern influence. But still a killer kickass 70s vibe goin on!!! Jake E Lee is so underrated.

[Michael]

Sludgy, disjointed and confused is how I first described the album.

After a couple more listens, that sounds about right. Was excited to hear that Jake was making new music. Now? Not so much.