Rating: NNNN
The brothers McDonald, Steve and Jeff, have been making music together as Redd Kross for 30 years. Their early records were scrappy punk rock that name-checked pop culture icons like Linda Blair and Lita Ford.
Researching The Blues is as far away from that early DIY sound as possible. From the opening chords of the title track, it fills the speakers with guitars, harmonies and drums that recall Keith Moon in his prime.
Should the album title cause you to think they’ve changed musical direction, rest assured that Redd Kross still have a soft spot for big 70s riffs and infectious choruses. Lyrically, they tread slightly more serious territory, though there are still plenty of bah-bah-bahs to keep things bubbly.
From start to finish, Researching The Blues satisfies. It’s too bad there’s no ballad, but the energy that crackles from these rockers makes it easy to forget about the lack of love songs.
Top track: Stay Away From Downtown
