3 Colours Red

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Head Red-man Pete Vuckovic, a bassist who'd been playing in bands since his early teens, started 3 Colours Red as a musical correspondence course of sorts: he and guitarist Chris McCormack collaborated on songs via mail. When it became clear that the pair had something extraordinary going on through the post, they put their stamps away in a drawer and met up in London. Enlisting two additional members, Keith Baxter (drums) and Ben Harding (guitar), 3 Colours Red were established and eager to throw a little rock 'n' roll into the somewhat droning Britpop scene of the moment. With all four lads being seasoned veterans of past musical projects (most notably, Harding's multiple-record stint in the Senseless Things), 3 Colours Red quickly established themselves on the local scene, self-releasing a limited-edition single, 1996's This Is My Hollywood , and building a solid and loyal following.Netting spots opening for Iggy Pop and the Sex Pistols' reunion tour that same year brought the quartet yet more recognition. However, the real turning point for 3 Colours Red came after attracting the attention of Creation Records' legendary Alan McGee, famed for his stable of ultracool Britpop discoveries. McGee is reported to have said regarding 3 Colours Red, "This is my favorite band." No small words from the man who brought Oasis to prominence.The subsequent release of raucous debut full-length Pure in 1997 earned 3 Colours Red top 20 status in their homeland and threw them into the spotlight of the oft-fawning, usually ultimately lethal British music press. The band rode the wave of popularity with aplomb, taking some time to support Bush on tour and make endless media rounds. Showing a surprisingly practical streak, they then resolutely settled down to write their second record, determined to outwit the fickle nature of the Brit music press--a malicious cutting-edge institution famed for leaving bands in the dust as quickly as it picks up the latest flavor of the moment.Recruiting the help of Manic Street Preachers producer Dave Eringa, 3 Colours Red wisely sought diversity by bringing a broader, deeper scope to their trademark hard-edged tone--"Moving on from that whole three-fat-chords sound," as Vuckovick told Melody Maker . The release of a sophomore "teaser"--the EP Paralyse --in late 1998 resulted in the British press dubbing the quartet "the best band in Britain." By the time their second full-length release Revolt hit the streets, 3 Colours Red had not only managed to hold their status at home, but also began to make waves on American radio, as well as landing an opening spot on shock-rocker Marilyn Manson's European tour and Silverchair's U.S. tour in 1999.After a 2-year hiatus the quartet bounced back in 2002 with new guitarist Paul Grant, the 'Repeat To Fade' single and a newly invigorated sense of purpose. Signed to Mighty Atom Records (Funeral For A Friend, Hondo Maclean, Hollywood Ending) they released their statement of intent album 'Union Of Souls' on July 5th.Produced by Joe Gibb (Million Dead, Funeral For A Friend, Johnny Truant) the new songs ably demonstrated just how vital and potent 3 Colours Red still were. From the gentle introspective sway of the title track opener to the heavy as hell 'Counterfeit Jesus', the band showed a depth and edge that was as contemporary as it was powerful. The band finally split in late 2005. Vuckovic and Grant formed 'BASSKNIV3S', Baxter joined 'Baby Judas', McCormack plays guitar with 'Gary Numan'...