The third album by this German septet further entrenches them as one of the finest (if not the premier) Pogues-influenced bands to emerge since the dissolution of that legendary folk-punk band. While
Lady Godiva occasionally opts to reinterpret an old Irish traditional song like "Spancil Hill" and "Hot Asphalt," it's the strength of their original pieces that best exemplifies the spirit and style of their mentors.
Red Letter Day unveils the slight personnel alterations this band implemented since their previous album,
Tales of Kings and Boozers; gone from that lineup are fiddler Yvonne Kexel and guitarist Lars Olig. In their stead is guitarist Jan Beckmann who along with fellow guitarist Ingo Schwingenheuer provide a more guitar-heavy version of
Lady Godiva. But the harder-rocking guitars do not diminish the importance of other crucial instruments like tin whistles, banjo, mandolin, and accordion. This group excels in allowing all of its members to contribute in significant ways to their sound and this album in particular conveys that equilibrium better than their previous two. Producer Martin Meinschäfer was able to successfully continue the momentum and increase the level of confidence this young band has been experiencing since their inception. ~ Dave Sleger