The eighth full-length studio album from Red Kross provides a bumper 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 LA when they were still in middle school – Jeff was fourteen, and Steven was eleven. The band’s first gig saw them open for the iconic punk band Black Flag, with David Bowie in attendance. Despite their early punk leanings, the band eventually swayed to the rock and power pop scene.
Now well into their fifth decade as a band, you would be forgiven in thinking that the Red Kross star could be waning, however with an excellent new album, full US tour upcoming and a memoir book and documentary film on the horizon, 2024 looks set to be the year of Red Kross.
The band’s 2019 release, Beyond The Door, left them somewhat deflated after the planned world tour in support of it was cancelled 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 shines through on 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 was recovering from surgery. The album opens with the excellent “Candy Coloured Catastrophe”, which perfectly sets the tone for the record. The radiant song is soaked with an acid pop feel, with the track taking a dig at what Steven has described as “the fine arts 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 bouncy riff and memorable call and respond chorus, a song Jeff describes as “the closest we came to a ‘political song'”.
However, the band do not shy away from confrontation throughout the record. “Cancion Enojada” directly delivers the lines, “The track is for you”, and growls “, I revoke your pass; you’re such an ass”. While the determined, drivingly riffed Good Times Propaganda Band sees the band seemingly addressing critical opinions, “If it burns your ears, just go away.”
Away from the up-tempo rock numbers, more delicate moments are scattered across the album. “The Main Attraction” features a more gentle, acoustic opening during which the band sings about being “motivated by love.” Another intricate guitar riff helps open proceedings on “What’s In It For You” before the question, “What’s in it for you? What’s in it for me?” before agreeing that ” any change would be a benefit to us all.”
For most of the album, the band seems to be focused on the present while looking to the future, yet there are several throwback moments. The poppy “I’ll Take Your Word For It” has an undeniably ’60s feel, while “The Witches Stand” offers a psychedelic twist. Yet, for all the looking to the future, the closing ballad, “Born Innocent,” recalls the group’s early days, with the parting message left: “We are all born innocent.”
When announcing their latest album, Steven McDonald said, “I’m ready to start our third act and for it to be magnificent.” This unmissable album proves to be a magnificent starting point for the third act. Red Kross’s eighth studio album is not one to be missed.
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