The CD issue of Canadian band
Red Rider's second release adds three bonus tracks, including their breakthrough U.S. radio hit, "Lunatic Fringe." The moody, paranoid track, with it's insistent guitar riff, has become a staple at AOR stations and is the best thing on
Neruda, but there are also other cuts that help this meat-and-potatoes quintet led by
Tom Cochrane rise above many similar acts. The muscular "Power (Strength in Numbers)" explores mob mentality, and is marred only by the presence of early-'80s keyboards, while "Human Race" features a rapid heartbeat melody and a simple, empty guitar line that adds to the lonely yet resilient tone of
Cochrane's lyrics.
Neruda, while no major musical statement, is still an enjoyable, melodic album, chock full of
Red Rider's blend of AOR crunch and new wave texture. ~ Tom Demalon