Philadelphia's The Reds debuted in 1979 on A&M
records. They released a self-titled LP and a 10" EP both produced by
David Kershenbaum (Joe Jackson, Duran Duran). The EP contained a scorching
cover of The Doors "Break On Through" but The Reds never managed that
feat commercially and their stay with A&M was abruptly ended.
The Reds cast a powerful shadow over their late-'70s and
early-'80s albums, which were too gut-crunching for the new wave crowd but not
flashy enough for metalheads weaned on the genre's instrumental pyrotechnics.
Guitarist and frontman Rick Shaffer's lyrics often seemed too intense for the
narrowness of Top 40 radio, which gave little time to tracks like
"Lookout," his nearly seven-minute screed against complacency. That's
a shame, since Shaffer and his bandmates are smart, accomplished players.
Keyboardist Bruce Cohen consistently spices up the proceedings with unobtrusive
yet effective organ and synthesizer blasts. Bassist Jim Peters and drummer
Tommy Geddes stake their own claims, playing as lead instruments when necessary
and pulling back when the song demands it; the old criticism of "more
attitude than capability" doesn't stick here. Like most debuts, the Reds'
first album is a short, sharp-shock, show-'em-what-you-got affair, although not
solely dependent on sound and fury to put its points across. Shaffer mainly
preoccupies himself with relationships; judging by "Victims,"
"Luxury," and "Over and Over," he's not having much luck.
The most powerful salvos come last, with "Lookout" on side one, while
the disaffected "Self-Reduction" brings the album to a powerful
close. However, mainstream listeners didn't get the point, so the Reds' stay at
A&M proved a brief one (although Shaffer and Cohen (who've since moved into
TV and film soundtracks) continue to record as a studio-only unit). Still, the
heaviness and emphasis on inner conflicts shouldn't put off anyone searching
for some truly intense, yet intelligent, music.