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RED SEPTEMBER |
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This long-awaited CD straps insightful social commentary to a ferocious, punk-flavored, arena-rock guitar assault to grab the listener and make him believe. Music's been sleeping, this is the "Wake Up Call"! Nominated "BEST ROCK RECORDING" in the 2002 Detroit Music Awards!!!!
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Simply judging by an album title can sometimes give you the biggest clue as to what to expect from an artist unknown to you. And the “wake up call” I received listening to this record came through loud and clear, without the smallest hint of hesitation. Continuing in the strong tradition of power pop trios, the members of Red September have put together a collection of tracks that showcase their ability to shift between different moods, subject matters, and musical nuggets of early adult wisdom. This record, from start to finish, is a fun one that gets the toes tapping, along with some head bobs here and there, along with some screaming guitar licks just to keep things interesting. What is instantly transferred to the listener is a sense of belonging. While some of the stories of songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Peter Schorn may be personal, the sentiment is most definitely that of anyone who has been both on the brunt of and the giver of confusion, broken relationships, and the angst-ridden process of becoming an adult. With a healthy dose of cynicism (preachin’ to the choir here, boys), Red September has nearly perfected an ambitious record that houses a sound with great mass appeal. As long as there is teen angst, they will have a fanbase. Hey, if Jimmy Eat World and Saves The Day can make a splash, there’s room for Red September. The songs here are well-crafted, practically tailor-made for radio, and this kind of simple power-pop songwriting style not only endures, but provides the cornerstone for most material that is being released in both the radio and indie worlds. Think Green Day meets Barenaked Ladies meets Smithereens and you have a good mix of where Red September is musically. Smart lyrics, simple melodies, and an ability to really catch a listener on a hook. Standout tracks: the real standout here, among an album of good, solid songs is “Aquastealth (I’ve Been Searching)” – it wouldn’t surprise me to hear this getting massive airplay, and it breaks apart the more straight forward rhythms on the rest of the album – this is a superior pop song; also, check out “Graffiti”, “Killjoy”, “WWW”, and “#1 With A Bullet”. - Heidi Drockelman - Indie Music.com
Coming from the Goo Goo Dolls school of songwriting, Red September picks up where the Dolls left off in 1996. They craft catchy, hungry pop songs that are drenched in punk attitude and guitar lifted straight from Hüsker Dü. "Graffiti" and "WWW" lead off the album with a healthy dose of fast-paced guitar rock. These two songs will instantly draw in or repel potential fans; they are not ashamed of their pop tendencies and freely give in to the hooks instead of concentrating on the harsh guitars. From that point forward, they jump from mid-tempo pop rockers to fiery post-punk anthems. Peter Schorn has the perfect voice for this, sounding all the world like Grant Hart on Hüsker Dü's New Day Rising with a little of Johnny Rzeznik's Hold Me Up-era croon. Bands like this do have it rough, because the comparisons to these two bands are inevitable. Often bands like this are also compared to the Replacements, but Schorn lacks Paul Westerberg's lyrical skills and reckless playing style. But Red September is no rip-off, despite the similarity to these artists. This band actually has a strong collection of songs, and they stick to the listener's brain quite easily. The only real problem is their lyrics. A great example of this is "Killjoy," the infectious first single. The chorus is extremely easy to remember; unfortunately, it also contains some very simple and generic lyrics that undermine the anti-censorship message. This is not something that happens from song to song, but it happens often enough to be a deterrent. Still, fans of any of the above-mentioned groups should give this a listen. There is a lot of quality music to be found here. ~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide
While it's becoming increasing harder for a rock band to stay clear of any label or category, Detroit's Red September manages to stay true to the original concept that rock and roll should be like a good shot: high grade, with a kick and with no mixers other than the stuff that matters. In the case of "Wake up Call," the basic element of straight forward rock is more than enough, whether it's in "Taken In," where Peter Schorn's skills as a frontman/guitarist stand out, delivering a combination of pop rock grit and a momentum that starts right off the bat on the opening "Graffiti" and doesn't lose intensity throughout the album, even toward the end on "#1 With a Bullet," where melodies and searing guitar lines keep the energy flowing. "Wake up Call" begs for attention-and is likely to receive it. - Omar Perez, Altar Native
Red September blares straight-forward rock 'n' roll without the bullshit. And it's good. This is a band that blurs the line between punk rock and the commercial radio-friendly alternative sound. It sounds like a deadly mixture, but somehow it works out and the benefits have paid off. There were a few moments that Red September reminded me of the Talking Heads with a stronger sense of social justice. Maybe it was because of the pop lyrics and actually having harmony. Anyway, they are an amazing band able to bring up issues on religion, racism, technology, drugs and more while maintaining a fun sound with some damn catchy lyrics. I don't think I'll ever be able to get "Living In Oblivion" out of my head. Once again, Red September reminds us about the great music that is brewed in the Detroit scene. - Erik Kluiber, The Michigander
Opening with the crunch of guitars and teen apathy, Wake Up Call comes across like a blast from a past of sunny day punk. Though the CD bears it's own unmistakable homegrown character, it's nearly impossible to separate Red September from their musical forefathers, ranging from the classic politi-punk of The Clash to the California skater punk of Rancid, etc. The bonding point between the bands is the hopeful, near-nostalgic tone that overlays the music's requisite hard edge, and it's this quality that makes Wake Up Call so much more appealing than the bulk of today's gritty, DJ-backed "punk" acts. As much as it might suit an extreme sports video, "Killjoy" is pure school-skipping fun. Likewise, the aptly named "Living In Oblivion", which hops between poppy hooks and amplified angst. The only time the album falters is when it attempts to transcend it's nature and either slows things down ("Taken In") or gets too serious ("Stupid Questions"). It may be perpetually caught in the early '80s, but it's all for fun. Reason to buy: You miss your skateboarding days. Best Listening Experience: "#1 With A Bullet". -Natalie Haddad, Real Detroit
"[Wake Up Call] bristles with brains and rock brawn, with punk vigor thrown in for good measure and pop overtones to get listeners’ heads bobbing." - K. Michelle Moran, C&G Newspapers
"Although the name Red September might give the impression the band is shooting for a bleak sound, the music is quite poppy and fun. Happy guitars share the spotlight with good rock and roll hooks and harmonies. But despite the pop edge, Schorn's songs are not without meaning." - Melody Baetens, The Detroit News.
Great stuff, this! It packs a one-two punch of poppy, yet hard-driving rock with insightful (and inciteful) lyrics. Take a bow. -- Rich Uranis
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Wow!
What a nice surprise. This Detroit-based trio specialize in well-crafted
punk rock and roll rife with soaring harmonies, great powerpop hooks and
thoughtfully politically left-leaning lyrics that are more urgent than
overbearing. That they're New Model Army fans-as evidenced by their
incredibly impassioned, dead on cover of "Stupid Questions"-only adds to
their coolness. Fans of early Clash and SoCal punk take note. You'll
find this an enjoyable spin from start to finish. Fantastic! - Bryan
Swirsky - The Big Takeover