Redd Kross

A brilliantly fun concert. Energetic and exciting, the music rocked us to the rafters. Fans went crazy. Redd Kross was great. A sound beyond any one category; power pop, quirky glam, alternative, post punk, rock, psychedelic? They bring tight harmonies and great songcraft with edge and volume. These Southern California veterans owned it all night.  Blasting out the stage from the get-go, the foursome opened with the hard-stomping Peach Kelli Pop and Stay Away From Downtown. 

While taking the music seriously, they didn’t take themselves too seriously. They were having a good time. Apologizing for starting the show late due to airline baggage delays, Jeff McDonald commented that it was a conspiracy to prevent them from playing. All kidding aside, it all worked out and they continued un-flinched. Their late arrival had them walking through a queue of welcoming fans adding to the evening's friendly, accessible rock vibe. Rock and Roll won the night! 

Founding brothers, Jeff and Steve McDonald, along with guitarist Jason Shapiro and drummer Dale Crover were lighting in a bottle on stage. 

After Stunt Queen, McDonald introduced the next song “It’s a bit of a protest song, very fitting today, (It’s Getting) Uglier Everyday. With our sexy new guitar player Jason Shapiro.” Who tamed his guitar feedback just this side of out-of-control. Shapiro played brilliantly as he thrashed and bounded about the stage while both McDonald brothers worked the stage with jumps and getting up close to the fans at the edge of the stage while Crover held it all together pounding his kit feverishly. 

“It's getting uglier every day, Uglier no matter what they say. This world is crazy, spinning out of control. Got to get together cause it's taking its toll. It's getting uglier every day.”  ~ Uglier

They rocked up a version of the 60’s Boyce and Hart pop single “I'll Blow You a Kiss in the Wind”  beyond recognition before playing something McDonald said “we are going to make up this song on the spot". Launched into melodic guitar riffs, catchy chorus and a hard driving beat. 

A somewhat rare live song Mess Around from their 1997 release Show World is a jangle pop, alternative rock song that showed the depth of their song writing styles. Followed by a similar groove with I'll Take You Word For It. Another masterfully performed rockered. Candy Coloured Catastrophe from the 2024 Red album was another fine sonic specimen mixing psychedelia and driving rock. 

Fans got a dose of live staples; Annie's Gone, Emanuelle Insane, Jimmy's Fantasy, Linda Blair, Any Hour Every Day, and fun covers: The Beatles, I Want You ( She's So Heavy), Pretty Please Me by The Quick The Osmonds’ Crazy Horses.

The whole show was turned up to eleven leaving a formidable backdraft of heightened fan energy. Fans you’ve been warned, don’t miss them live. When looking for great live music in Valencia, check out Loco Club. You can count on their concert calendar for superb shows.  

Words and photos: Philamonjaro