Album: Condition Red
Year: 1981
Genre: Punk
This release reminds me of being a kid and having something special I couldn't wait to show my friends. Remember the days when you found that new band, that you knew no one knew about, and how cool it was to turn your friends on to something awesome? Well, although this may not be a true scenario at this time, that how I feel about the full length debut by New Orleans outfit Red Rockers.
Red Rockers caught a bit of fame in the early 80s for their MTV, one hit wonder song "China." If you judged the band by that song, and the album it appeared on, you would never have guessed that just a few short years prior to their "new wave" ways that they were an energetic, raw, politically aware punk rock band. A great one, at that! They only have the Guns Of Revolution 7" and the LP Condition Red as testament to the unrefined vision of a vibrant, young band. Everything else that followed lacked what I found riveting in their first two efforts. Released in 1981, the energy of Condition Red jumps out of the speakers as soon as the needle hits the groove with its incult tones and a production that sounds as if it’s overloading the soundboard. Vocally, the band finds itself treading in melodic territory; with some songs having huge hooks and others constructed of barked out, sing-along anthems. When other punk bands began relying on playing faster and faster to create intensity, Red Rockers were capable of generating fury and power without having to move at hyper-thrash, breakneck speeds. Every song has an identity and showcases their talent and their devoted attention to songwriting.
So, on to the obligatory "other" band comparisons to clarify my ramblings. I suppose resemblances to The Clash, The Ruts and Stiff Little Fingers come to mind when listening to Red Rockers. Make no mistake, this album is American-styled punk rock that amplified an intensified their sound beyond what those legends could muster. Condition Red is one of the buried gems of the early underground and is worth seeking out in whatever format you're able to find it.
Listen to "Guns Of Revolution" here.
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