Red Scare Industries – 18 JUL 2025
Four bands celebrating a Canadian trek with new song offerings
These are trying times indeed. The world is certainly in a vast amount of turmoil. I am not here to provide any social or political commentary. What I wish to highlight for all of you is an amazing 4 band compilation recently released by Red Scare Industries. This band features artists from Chicago, France, UK and Boston. This release coincides with a week-long run through Canada.
The first track “Track Suit” by Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds grabs you from the get and never lets go. Simply put, the song is a sonic wall of fury. Opening with a moving bass line perfectly sets the tone. The track is complete with synth and gritty vocals we have come to know and love of Mr. Kelly. This seems to be a tale of living a leisurely life involving many libations! Next up is French band Guerilla Poubelle who are new to my ear holes. The song title “l’incendie, le canadair et el colobri” very loosely translates to setting fire to something. This track is equally ferocious as the title suggests. The aggression remains constant throughout. The musical highlight here is the subtle instrumentation in the verses which allows the vocals to breathe. This enhances the listening experience, especially for me since I do not know French.
The B-Side opens with Red Scare veteran Sam Russo. His track “Leaving” may seriously crack my top 10 favorite tracks of the year. There is truly little else to say about this flawless track. The recording is superb as well as the production. This song about not finding your place in a relationship can translate to so many facets of ourselves and our own lives. Perfectly placed electric rhythm guitar enhances the acoustic elements throughout. I have been sleeping on this artist for too long. Finally, Boston’s In The Meantime close out the 4 song set. Their track “Old Gum” is a heavy power pop banger. This track has an almost commercial sound which could have fit well during the 90s punk and alt rock mainstream exploring. Oh well. As they say, timing is everything.
Citizens of Canada should keep their eyes peeled as these 4 bands roll through your country. Hopefully they are playing in a city near you. I extremely appreciate and applaud the goal of this release in being a multi cultural collaboration of artists. I think most listeners will hear something new in this release.
I am mostly known in cyberspace as a vinyl junkie and punk rock bassist! Fair assessment. I am the bassist of the Chicago area power pop / pop punk band SPACE AGE ZEROS.