ALBUM REVIEW: The Red Pears

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Photos provided by: Robert Nuñez

Written By: Clara Whitley

Indie rock trio The Red Pears released their fourth studio album, Better Late Than
Never, on April 12, 2024. Originating from El Monte, California, Henry Vargas (vocals
and guitar), Jose Corona (drums), and Patrick Juarez (bass) started with humble origins
playing backyard and garage shows. This sound is still prevalent in their music today.
Better Late Than Never is a nostalgic and authentic testament to heartbreak, and the
phases of hurt and anger that follow. Distinct and clear guitar melodies narrate the eight
tracks on the album, and their simple production is reminiscent of a 2000s era rock
band pulling heavy inspiration from The Strokes.

The album starts with a prelude of ambient sounds as the track skips and rewinds like
an old tape found in the bottom of a dusty box full of clothes to donate and old trinkets
you no longer have use for. The dreamy track transitions right into “Didn’t Realize,”
kicking off with powerful guitar and plucky riffs as Vargas sings about grappling with the
absence of someone in his life. His raspy vocals show that he can’t quite tell how he
feels about losing them “The Way You Talk” has a strong and smooth bassline that
steadily underscores the whole song. Vargas croons over this with the things he no
longer, and maybe never did, like about his past lover.

As the guitar wobbles and distorts it mirrors the apparent back-and-forth between the two subjects. This track is a bright and driving force within the album. The sound then shifts over to a compelling
staccato, providing the base for a personal favorite, “See What I Mean.” The guitar feels emotional and passionate, paired with his airy vocals providing almost a feeling of resignation. At this point in the process of heartbreak, he has begun to resign saying, “it was what it was.” In a slower paced track, these feelings continue and border into submission with “It’s alright.” This conceding song closes out with a languid riff that ebbs and flows like a lazy river.

With a shift in mood, “Kidding On The Square” opens with buoyant guitar and punchy
percussion that stars as the chorus builds. Vargas now broadens his subject to a larger
group, and sings about others that have shown the same patterns in his life. “Why do
they seem to talk? When they always give up when it’s tough.” Vargas shines vocally on
this album, especially on the next track “Tired.” His vocal performance reaches new
heights here; his voice is clear and strong as emotion steadily builds. Beautifully
partnered with this is the use of percussion. As the drums strengthen and his voice
expands, emotion and feeling swell larger and larger. The album closes with a slower
paced song, “Once Together.” Languid percussion and mellow vocals round out the end
of the listening experience.

Better Late Than Never shows a real maturity for The Red Pears. They are honest,
direct, and true to their humble beginnings. After their recent signing to Cosmica
Records, The Red Pears continue to stay on the rise. The Red Pears are set to headline Johnny Brenda’s on October 1st.