Red Lorry Yellow Lorry – Strange Kind Of Paradise (Digital/CD/Vinyl Album – COP International)
It’s been since 1992 that Red Lorry Yellow Lorry last released a studio album. In 2025, that long wait finally ends with the arrival of their sixth album – a release that’s already being hailed as the legendary British Post-Punk band’s ultimate opus, following last year’s EP “Driving Black”.
On “Strange Kind Of Paradise”, you’ll recognize the hallmark elements of classic Red Lorry Yellow Lorry: raw, old-school Post-Punk infused with passion and a strong sense of nostalgia. At the same time, the band explores darker, moodier rock textures that broaden their sonic landscape. The guitars and drums – along with Chris Reed’s unmistakable vocals – are sure to resonate with longtime fans. Lyrically, the band casts a critical eye on many facets of modern society, infusing the album with a sense of disillusionment that matches its brooding tone.
Personally, I find the heavier tracks to be the album’s strongest moments, while some of the others fall a bit short. The heyday of Dark-Wave and Post-Punk – a scene the ‘Lorries’ once helped define – is far behind us, but this album plays like sweet, shadow-drenched nostalgia for those still wearing black. (Rating:7).
Listen to “Driving Black”:
Read the news on ‘Strange Kind Of Paradise’.
About Red Lorry Yellow Lorry
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry was founded in 1981 in Leeds, England, by Chris Reed (vocals, guitar) and Mark Sweeney (bass), later joined by David Wolfenden (guitar) and Mick Brown (drums). Emerging from the UK post-punk scene, they developed a dark, minimalist sound defined by pounding rhythms and stark guitar lines.
Their debut single “Beating My Head” (1982) gained underground traction, followed by a series of releases on Red Rhino Records, including the albums “Talk About the Weather” (1985) and “Paint Your Wagon” (1986). In the late 1980s, the band signed with Situation Two, releasing “Nothing Wrong” (1988) and “Blow” (1989), gradually evolving their sound with broader melodic elements.
Following lineup changes and hiatuses, the band continued to perform and sporadically record, with Chris Reed leading some later incarnations. A reissue program and occasional live appearances maintained interest through the 2000s and 2010s.
The 2024 EP “Driving Black” marked their return to the studio, leading to the 2025 release of “Strange Kind of Paradise”, reviewed here via COP International. The current lineup includes Chris Reed and David Wolfenden.
I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
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