Red Kross' eighth full-length studio album delivers eighteen stellar rock tracks, and what better way to celebrate your band's 45th anniversary than by releasing a self-titled double album?
Brothers Jeff and Steven McDonald originally formed Red Kross in Los Angeles while still in high school – Jeff was fourteen and Steven eleven. The band’s first gig saw them supporting iconic punk band Black Flag, featuring David Bowie. Despite their early punk leanings, the band eventually crossed over into the rock and power pop scene.
Now into their fifth decade as a band, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Red Kross' star might be waning; However, with an excellent new album, a full US tour coming soon, and a memoir and documentary on the horizon, 2024 looks set. It will be the year of Red Kross.
The band's release in 2019, beyond the door, left them somewhat deflated after the planned world tour to promote it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of wallowing in this disappointment, the brothers found inspiration and began writing new songs. The main emphasis on these new songs was fun, which is reflected in the album.
Having previously worked with the band on their 2019 album, former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer returns, this time producing the record and playing drums due to the absence of Melvin's drummer Dale Crover, who left. I was recovering from surgery. The album begins with the excellent “Candy Colored Catastrophe”, which perfectly sets the tone of the album. The radiant song is drenched in an acid pop feel, and the track pokes fun at what Steven has described as “The fine art career of a well-known pop star we love and also love to make fun of.” The hard rock vibes continue through “Stunt Queen” with its upbeat riff and memorable call-and-response chorus, a song Jeff describes as “The closest we got to a 'political song.'”
However, the band does not shy away from confrontation throughout the album. “Angry Song” directly pronounces the verses, “The track is for you,” and growls, “I revoke your pass; You're an Idiot”. While the purposeful, riff-driven Good Times Propaganda Band sees the band seemingly addressing critical opinions, “If it burns your ears, leave.”
Far from the fast-paced rock songs, there are more delicate moments throughout the album. “The Main Attraction” features a softer acoustic opening during which the band sings about being “motivated by love.” Another intricate guitar riff helps open the discussion on “What's In It For You” before the question: “What do you get out of this? What's in there for me?” before accepting that “any The change would be a benefit for all of us.”
For most of the album, the band seems to focus on the present while looking toward the future, although there are several flashback moments. The poppy “I'll Take Your Word For It” has an undeniable '60s feel, while “The Witches Stand” offers a psychedelic edge. However, despite looking to the future, the final ballad, “Born Innocent,” recalls the group's early days, with the farewell message: “We are all born innocent.”
Announcing his latest album, Steven McDonald said: “I'm ready to start our third act and make it great.” This must-see album turns out to be a great starting point for the third act. Red Kross' eighth studio album is not to be missed.
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