Jeffrey McDonald: vocals,guitar
Steven McDonald: bass, vocals
Robert Hecker: guitar,vocals
"As children, we were simultaneously influenced by the Ramones and the Osmond Brothers," says Redd Kross lead singer Jeffrey McDonald. That unlikely amaglam of muses still informs the music of Redd Kross - a refreshingly intelligent, highly original trio which also draws inspriration from the likes of MacKenzie Phillips, Linda Blair, and Hollywood tabloids.
Formed 12 years ago in Los Angeles by brothers Jeffrey and Steven McDonald, Redd Kross began life as a punk outfit with a difference: an 11-year-old bass player. "My being so young was a novelty," recalls Steven,"but our real talent was as child prodigy schmoozers." Shockingly adept at working with producers, managers, booking agents and other indusrty types, the brothers McDonalds landed gigs all over the L.A. area, and embarked on a recording career at about the same age most kids are doing little more than pubescing.
In 1979, Redd Kross recorded their first EP, a six song independent release. 1981 saw the release of their classic debut album, "BORN INNOCENT." In 1984, the band began work on their much-heralded tribute to their rock'n'roll icons, "TEEN BABES FROM MONSANTO."
Coinciding with the releaseof "TEEN BABES" Redd Kross found their missing link with the addition of the incredible Robert Hecker. The band's line-up had, at various times, included Black Flag's Ron Reyes, Circle Jerk Greg Hetson, and pre-Bangle Vicki Peterson on guitar. It was the 1987 album "NEUROTICA" (produced by ex-Ramone Tommy Erdelyi) that brought the band widespread fame, and gave fans the opportunity to hear Hecker grace an entire Redd Kross album.
A self-described "musician geek guy," Hecker started playing guitar at the age of nine, working at his craft until his fingers would literally bleed. At times, he still locks himself in his room for days, practicing terror chops until he feels that he has achieved quot;adequate bad guitar." In truth, Hecker's playing is well beyond adequate - it is, indeed, nothing short of sensational.
Redd Kross's love of The Beatles is evident on their Atlantic Records debut, "THIRD EYE" their first major label release. Combining seamless harmonies with punk edges, lacings of psychedelia, beautifully crafted melodies, and an intelligent hint of humor, "THIRD EYE" is a visionary album. All of the tracks on the album were written by band members, working either alone or in various combinations.
"Our two goals" says Jeffrey, the elder McDonald, "are to reach a wide variety of people and to please ourselves. We are pleased with the album - we did what we set out to do " The mood of "THIRD EYE" ranges from the inspirational "Where I Am Today" to the sincere tribute of "Bubblegum Factory." "Any form of art that moves you is valid; it has succeeded" says Jeffrey. "There is humor in our music, but we are also very serious about it. We think of humor as another way to communicate."
That humor is evident on "Elephant Flares" a song Steven describes as the story of a powerful but twisted rock goddess cult leader, "something like Peggy Lipton meets Indira Ghandi" Other outstanding cuts include "I Don't Know How To Be Your Friend", a straightforward and moving look at love lost, "Shonen Knife " inspired by the band of the same name, the truly moving "Love Is Not Love" and the rocking, yet tragically beautiful first single, "Annie's Gone."
The album also features the track "1976 " written for the upcoming feature film, "Spirit of '76" starring David Cassidy, as well as Jeffrey and Steven McDonald. One of the high points of the movie-making experience for them was having the chance to quiz Cassidy on "Partridge Family" trivia. Redd Kross's love of pop culture imbues "THIRD EYE" a fact perfectly framed by the appearance of Susan Cowsill of the Cowsills ("Hair" "The Rain", "The Park" etc....) as guest vocalist.
Having co-produced their Atlantic debut with producer Michael Vail Blum (engineer for Madonna's "Like A Prayer"), Redd Kross is ready to head back to their true love - the stage. "We want to have the spirit of The Beatles on vinyl,' says Hecker, "and the power of Van Halen and The Who in concert" With such talent, wit, industry, and cool to count on, Redd Kross's future looks very rosy indeed.