Member Since: 07/06/2006
Band Website: http://www.redsandblue.com
Band Members: ellen bunch - vocals, keyboard
areif sless-kitain- drums
pete croke - bass
past members/contributors:
annie coleman - basson, flute, melodica, vocals, et al.
theo katsaounis - drums
katie young - bassoon
Influences: cling, clangs, and bangs. talking heads, satie, can, african psych, old timey blues, king crimson, beatles to name a few
Sounds Like:
Chicagoist :
"Openers Reds and Blue are fairly new to the Chicago scene in their current formation, but they have been taking many a stage by storm. The woman-fronted, bassoon-and-flute heavy band may at times be abrasive on the ears, but they're not without heart. Their noir-esque sound wouldn't be out of place in a black-and-white horror movie or a haunted house at a carnival in the middle of Oklahoma. It's no surprise they've opened for similar eyebrow-furrow-inducing outfits such as Don Caballero and Mucca Pazza."
Cashbox :
"Local Chicago quartet Reds and Blue started the line-up off with their swirling mixture of melodic female vocals set adrift in a sea of crashing rhythms. With their sound ranging from Eastern themed atmospheres to traditional European influences, Reds and Blue created a sound quite similar in its calming effects to mid-era Serge Gainsbourg and Scotland?s the High Llamas. Swapping instruments throughout, Reds and Blue drew the audience in with their array of woodwind instruments featuring not only an oddly irreplaceable bassoon, but also two melodicas and a brief appearance of a flute. As the inspired set drew on, one could only imagine the detail that will go into their upcoming debut album. It is something to look forward to. "
Ohmyrockness :
"Chicago's Reds and Blue are a female-fronted band that's down with the psych-rock-prog. They play dissonant, druggy melodies that would make Janis J. look down in approval. Besides keys, the band incorporates several woodwind instruments to help further transport the listener back in time.Reds and Blue may be new to the scene, but their members have long been part of the music making machine. Keyboardist/vocalist Ellen Bunch was formerly of the Polyvinyl band ZZZZ, and drummer Areif Sless-Kitain was in D.C.'s punk outfit, Bluetip. This is hazy, spooky music."
Radio Free Chicago :
"Beginning the night with a great start, four-piece Reds and Blue delivered their songs with beauty and femininity that adds to the instrumentation of the flute, bassoon, and keyboard playing to accompany the guitar and percussion. Their sound is most similar to local band Pit er Pat .The alternating vocals of Ellen Bunch and Annie Coleman have just the right amount of intensity and the stage presence of the two was definitely felt. Their songs are full of an unusual sort of catchiness that make me really wish they would record some of them as an album or at least an EP. Let's hope there is a long bright future ahead of them!"
Flavorpill :
"Local experimental outfit Reds and Blue play and sing so gosh-darned hard, it sounds like their quirky little hearts would burst if not for their cathartic compositions and odd timing. With staggering bassoon lines tripping over disjointed flute melodies, dainty keyboard filigrees, and bursts of percussion barely holding things together, the inventive quartet's art-damaged pop is as exhilarating to hear as it is to try and follow."
Type of Label: Major