The Red Army (Band)
The Red Army are a Cornish anti-folk band. They are probably best known for the fractious relationship between the frontmen Floren MacDonald and Philip Burnley. Their songs often contain recurring themes, usually venting the band's anger against people and institutions that they have/had moral disagreements with. The band have been ACTIVE from 2004-present, playing in excess of two hundred performances, and made their officially released debut on 29 January 2007 on the compilation album Zebs: The Sound Of Young Cornwall. So far, 'The Reds' (as affectionately known by their fans) have gained radio plays on Radio 6, XFM, Radio Cornwall, Pirate FM, Atlantic FM and Totally Radio. The band have also play the acclaimed Tapestry Goes West Festival three years running, and the Lowender Peran festival (Cornwall's largest folk festival) for the past two years. They have also performed at acclaimed venues; The Hall for Cornwall, The Acorn and Bunters. In literature, The Reds have appeared in The Times, a number of local publications and the Channel Four website. Although tensions within the band remain high, The Red Army are set for big things in the future.
Members
- Philip Burnley - Vocals, Guitars
- Floren MacDonald - Vocals, Keyboards, Kazoo, Trumpet, Accordion
- Stephen Burnley - Electric Bass, Double Bass
Semi-official members
- Rose Grigg - Percussion
Influences
The Red Army's influences include:The Darkness, The La's, The Coral, Regina Spektor, The Libertines, Joanna Newsome, Devendra Banhart, The Family Cat, Adam Green and The Smiths. Most notable with Regina Spektor, as the band has covered her song "Edit" on multiple occasions. Philip Burnley's voice has often been described as very much like Devendra Banhart and Morrissey in style, whereas Florence Macdonald's vocal technique has often been regarded as taking influences from Regina Spektor.
Songwriting techniques often bear homage to Merseybeat, particularly from songs like "Freedom Song" (The La's) and "Dreaming of You" (The Coral). Going further back, there are obvious undertones of influence by The Kinks, and, in part, piano influence from the likes of impressionist composer Debussy. Burnley's songwriting remains harsher and often includes contemporary vocal techniques; short bursts of shouting or "breaking" the voice. MacDonald's songwriting tends to be softer, and often with more of an obvious traditional folk influence.
Discography
E.P's
- "The Shamrock Shindig" (Summer 2007) – Reed Records
- "Bird Of Paradise" (Winter 2007) – Reed Records
Albums
- "One Way Ticket" (Summer 2005) – Reed Records
Compilation album tracks
- "Money Grabbing Scum" – The Sound Of Young Cornwall on Zebs Records
- "Northern Lights" (choral version; officially by 'Zebs Choir') – The Sound Of Young Cornwall on Zebs Records
Collaborations and side projects
To date, the only side project spawned from The Red Army appears as the last track on the compilation Zebs: The Sound Of Young Cornwall, released 29 January 2007. The track is officially by the 'Zebs Choir', and an EP is rumoured to be released in the summer, possibly under the name 'The Red Choir'. 'Zebs Choir', under the instruction of Philip Burnley and Floren MacDonald have since recorded two tracks with Jim Bob, formerly of Carter USM, with the intention of release on Jim Bob's solo album out later this year. The tracks working titles respectively are "Why Can't We Get Along?" and "Pizza Boy".
The Red Army also toured with the infamous Swamp Circus in July 2007, providing music to their contemporary circus acts both with songs written especially for the tour and more well known Red Army songs. Amongst these performances were shows in The Roundhouse in London as well as shows in their home county of Cornwall.
Other projects mentioned in the pipeline include the future release of a 'Red Orchestra' EP, in which The Red Army will be accompanied by an orchestra.
References
- BBC interview (2004)
- BBC interview on 'The Sound of Young Cornwall' (2007)
- Article in The Times (2007)
- The Red Army Review for Aberfest (2006)
- Programme for Interceltic Watersports Festival Feat. The Red Army (2006)
- The Red Army in 24/7 magazine
- Review for FATEA online magazine (2005)
- Link to 'Totally Radio' playlist showing radio plays of The Red Army (2007)
- Link from Cumpus website
- The Red Army Win Battle Of The Bands Write Up - Cornwall College website (2005)
- http://cornishlivegigreview.blogspot.com/ (ref 1)
- Interview with Philip Burnley on Channel 4 website