The Red Army (Band)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Background information
Origin	Truro, Cornwall
Genre(s)	Anti-folk Indie
Years active	2004–present
Label(s)	Zebs Records Red Records
Website	http://www.theredarmyband.com
Members
Philip Burley Floren MacDonald Stephen Burley

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 Burley. 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 the 29th January 2007 on the Compliation 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 (Cornwalls largest folk festival) for the past two years. They have also performed at acclaimed venues; The Hall For Cornwall, The Acorn and Bunters. Although tensions within the band remain high, The Red Army are set for big things in the future.

1 Members
2 Influences
3 Discography
4 Influence on other local bands
5 Side Projects
6 Trivia
7 See also
8 References
9 External links

[edit] Members

Philip Burley-Vocals, Guitars

Floren MacDonald-Vocals, Keyboards, Kazoo, Trumpet

Stephen Burley-Electric Bass, Double Bass

[edit] Influences

The Red Army's influences include: The Las, 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 Burley'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. Burley'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.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Singles

"1917" (Summer 2007) – Zebs Records

[edit] Albums

"One Way Ticket" (Summer 2005) – Red Records

[edit] 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

[edit] Influence on other local bands

The band are known for their influence on the local scene, influencing the likes of Pentorr, Black Friday, Lost And Found and The Flares. Whilst generally regarded as the band that kickstarted anti-folk in Cornwall, their ability to adapt has kept them at the forefront of the Cornish anti-folk movement.

[edit] 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 29th 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 Burley 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. Other projects remain rumoured yet unconfirmed. The most well circulated of these is a future release of a 'Red Orchestra' EP, in which The Red Army will be accompanied by an orchestra. Rumoured for release late 2007.

Other projects remain rumoured yet unconfirmed. The most well circulated of these is a future release of a 'Red Orchestra' EP, in which The Red Army will be accompanied by an orchestra. Rumoured for release late 2007.

[edit] Trivia

It is common place for the chant "Reds, Reds, Reds,", "Come on you Reds" or "The, Reds, The, Reds" to be shouted at their live performances.
Though famed for their backstage disputes, Philip Burley and Floren MacDonald rarely appear to have issues onstage.
Philip Burley has walked offstage twice, once at The Radical Club and once at The Acorn. On these occasions, the band have continued their sets without him.