Scarlet Rebels 'Flawed By Design' album review: Big hooks, bigger ambition and not a flaw in sight

Following the success of 2024's Where Colours Meet, Welsh rockers Scarlet Rebels had a considerable challenge on their hands. How do you follow an album that raised the bar both critically and commercially? For frontman Wayne Doyle, the answer was simple:

"You're aware that you need to deliver something good, and that's tough," he explains. "You either fold or you get stuck in and dig deep. And I really dug deep."

That determination runs right through 'Flawed By Design', an album that sees the band pushing both their songwriting and sound to new limits. There's clearly an element of wanting to challenge their own personal best, alongside the inevitable pressure of following up such a successful record. In truth, it's probably a bit of both.

What they've delivered is a full-bodied, classically crafted rock album that gets straight to the point. Its appeal is immediate, packed with big choruses, infectious melodies and the sort of hooks that stay with you long after the music stops. Scarlet Rebels have a knack for writing radio-friendly rock without sacrificing substance, combining the familiarity of classic rock songwriting with a sound that feels firmly rooted in the present. They're not simply trading on the heroes of yesteryear; they're building on those foundations and making them their own.

The current line-up of Wayne Doyle (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gary Doyle (drums), Chris Jones (lead guitar) and Carl Oag (bass) once again work with producer Chris Clancy, and the results are impressive moden rock album, with nostalgic nods to the genre's past.

Opening track 'God's Honest Truth' is an introspective, philosophical opener with an outlaw-rock flavour. Inspired by the passing of a close friend of Wayne's, it questions the idea of human imperfection and the suggestion that if we are made in God's image, then perhaps God himself must also be flawed. It's a thought-provoking introduction that establishes the more mature and reflective side of the album.

'This Is Happening Now' shifts gears, bringing a distinctly 90s Manic Street Preachers feel before opening out into full-blown stadium rock. It's a reminder of just how well this band can marry a strong melodic sensibility with a much bigger, anthemic sound.

'Don't Look Down' is another driving, full-throttle highlight, while 'Chains' and 'Happy Ever After' are among the album's standouts. There's also a slightly different sonic approach to 'Stuck', with its arrangement offering something a little different while still allowing Gary Doyle's powerhouse drumming to make its presence felt.

Closing track 'Fool Of Your Heart' takes another turn, with a bold, romantic sweep and a wonderfully rueful quality. There's something almost cinematic about it, bringing to mind the closing moments of an 80s film.

With 'Flawed By Design', Scarlet Rebels have managed to do something that isn't always easy: follow a hugely successful album without simply trying to recreate it. Instead, they've dug deeper, broadened their sound and delivered another collection of songs that reinforces their position as one of the strongest rock bands around.

If 'Flawed By Design' is supposed to have its imperfections, Scarlet Rebels are doing a pretty good job of hiding them.