Red Means Run is not a suggestion about to how to handle crossing the street in Center City.Rather, Red Means Run, is a four member, home grown alt-country band in Philadelphia. While the term alt-country can be a pretty vague, in the case of Red Means Runs, it means songs with country roots that shine through and interweave with alternative flourish.
Their most recent release, a 4 track EP titled "All Things Said and Done," does not disappoint. In the title track "All Things Said and Done" and "Some Become Nothing," you'll hear recognizably classic country bedrock, highlighted by a clear deep bass line held down by Craig Newschaffer. Dennis Golden's drum licks phase from classic country style to a faster, ragged, rat-tat-tat alternative style, yet maintain the kind of beat you can, and likely will, tap out on whatever is available. This is not your study hall music, it's challenging to not engage with the rhythm. If you're sitting next to a stressed out grad student in a local coffee shop, you may want to try something else. Unless, you want to wear a macchiato.
The guitar stylings of Ryan Wells and Jim McKay ring and jangle with country twang. Yet, they provide a satisfying layer of interest by giving the music harder metallic edge and a more electric sound than is typical of straight country music. The alternative/rock element, blooms in the form of slick solos and the occasional riff. The solos and riffs hit you with the rolling gate of a cowboy ready to "take it outside." They mean business and are clearly complicated, yet they still manage to not feel frenzied. Wells and McKay execute the solos and riffs with practiced dexterity before, ultimately, giving way to relatively straight forward strumming patterns, letting the vocals take center stage.
Wells and McKay as vocalists, again walk the the line (see what I did there?), between country and alternative sound. There is a doleful soulfulness to their voices, however, the sound is not throaty and the southern accent is not overpowering. Their voices have a raw quality that can still carry sentiment without being too much like shouting and steering clear of whining. They don't ball out their lyrics, rather they sing them clearly, letting their audience experience the richness of description in the songs. These are not the kind of songs that rely on the repetition of the word "baby." The lyrics are both relatable and autobiographical, keeping an element of story telling in mind throughout.
Furthermore, the stories are backed by fairly simple music, aside from the occasional guitar solo. Nothing is too flashy, the instruments don't try to out do or cover over the vocals. It's refreshing to see a band that doesn't try to compete. Rather the vocalists sing over simpler music and give way to solos and more complicated playing, allowing the musicianship to take the spotlight in turn.
Hey, Philly Phriends, you'll have two chance to check out Red Means Run in person soon! They will be performing at the Grape Room in Manayunk on January 2nd and will be playing World Cafe Live on January 27th (details still to be announced)! Grab some buddies, come have some fun and support a killer local band!
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