The Red Shift is proud to be Hastings only five piece Ska/Funk/Punk band. Influenced by such bands as The Specials, Less Than Jake and Incubus (but not forgetting everything in-between) they continue to create waves around their sleepy little seaside home town with their funktastic sound. COllectively, Matt Pearce (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Andrew Lee (Backing Vocals/Lead Guitar/Sax), James McLean (Backing Vocals/Bass), Ben Thomson (guitar) and Carl Welch (drums) have been a band since June 2004, but they have stepped up their efforts in late 2004; creating quite a buzz around the Hastings area. Their first gig at the Crypt indeed, in October of the same year was hailed so far as one of their most memorable gigs to date. From that point, things have only got better for the young band who have recored a 10 track CD which has been quite a hit; still selling, although far from vast, a fair few copies even now. Quite the little underground hit.
Jim McLean of the band once stated "First Hastings, then THE WORLD!"; and now, his evil dream is being realised as the band spreads its wings from Hastings and undertakes a mini tour of... well, anywhere that will have them. In Mid July 2005, the band were picked to support Adequate Seven at The Tunbridge Wells Forum, and following that performance were hand picked to support Streetlight Manifesto, Uncle Brian, and $up at the infamous Camden Underworld, After this Performance they were invited back to support US Ska-core Master A Billion Ernies, The Junglists, and Weightloss (They were ACE). This run of good luck is set to continue well into 2006; After the ABE show Jim Received a call from the manager of the underworld asking if they'd like to support The Fight and 3DB's Down. Of course they did not refuse. By Summer 2006 TRS Decided it was time for a new challenge. Over the preceeding months the Red Shift went about booking a 10 date National tour. They went round the country playing in some top venues and playing with some top bands! They supported bands like Sonic Boom 6, Mumrah, and Mouthwash. overall it was a success providing a boost of energy within the band. Now they'd funk'd their way all over the country they didn't really know what to do. With everyone leaving for uni they decided to put the band on hold as a seasonal thing. Maybe one day they'll get back together...- TRS.
Described by Bugbear bookings Hastings based funk/ska outfitsort of comedy pop with Haircut 100 guitar licks and mock yobbo vocalssome cool freak-out guitar too.
"If you like The Specials and The Clash, you definitely love those newcomers from Hastings, East Sussex. Catchy riffs, great sense of lyricism, thats just simply really nice and refreshing to hear..." - Melanie Lapierre, London Cafe, CISM 89, 3 Montreal, Canada
"You have to be wary- and a little bit scared- to come across a band that call their album 'Iced Gems & Armfarts'. The music is as fun as the title itself! Whether or not these boys are taking themselves seriously or not is completely irrelevant when an album so unique, exciting and fun is produced. A fantastic mix of ska and excellent vocals plus some catchy as hell lyrics make this rather good and essential listening. Highlights include 'Summer Loving' and Kaiser Chiefs type track 'Crap Job', plus the slick cover of 'Wild Thang'. You could do a lot worse than check this band out!" - 8/10 Killer Dienamite Zine
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The Red Shift - Nintendo Schmendo THE VIDEO

THE RED SHIFT ARE CURRENTLY ON A BREAK. THEY WILL BE BACK AT SOME TIME IN THE FUTURE. THEY ARE STILL UP FOR SHOWS BUT ONLY AT CERTAIN TIMES OF THE YEAR!