Nightflying: The Entertainment Guide

---Kody Ford

From the opening bars of “One Won’t Kill You” on the Reds LP “Economy of Motion,” singer/bassist Johnny Mac uses his raw, rapid-fire vocals to pull the listener into a world of booty-shaking garage rock. You can almost smell the Pabst Blue Ribbon and Parliament cigarettes.

“We play bass heavy, minimalist rock. I'd say we're equally influenced by the garage rock of the '60s, classic rock from the '70s and the punk/new wave bands of the late '70s and early '80s, with the last probably being the most recognizable influence,” said Mac.
Formerly Johnny Mac and the Reds, “Ecomony of Motion” (Max Recordings 2007) is the first LP released under the simplified Reds moniker, whose current line-up also features guitarist Graham Cobb and drummer Jason Thompson. Mac is no stranger to the Little Rock music scene.

“I put out a few self released solo EPs and a 45 on Max Recordings under my name,” said Mac. “I played shows around town alone or with a band I called ‘Johnny Mac and The Reds.’ Since I switched to bass and started playing with Graham and Jason, we shortened the name to just ‘The Reds’ and I don't play solo anymore. It's more fun this way.”

Mac’s previous outings include “Apple,” “Fine Lines / Two Hearts,” and a self-titled album.

Each song on “The Economy of Motion” has a distinct sound while maintaining their three-piece, pop rock style that draws heavily from artists like The Kinks, The Clash, and Elvis Costello. “Summer” blends 60s pop melodies with stomping drums and a throbbing bass line. “Red Martians!,” which at 6 min 14 seconds is the longest track on the album,” begins with a beat box intro a la Spoon’s “Stay Don’t Go” and quickly transitions into a mid-tempo jam giving Cobb some much deserved shredding time. On “Will It All Come True?” the band channels the Modern Lovers. Mac writes the songs and the band arranges them together. His band mates enjoy their collaboration.
“[Jason and I] both are enamored of [Mac’s] arrangements and melodies,” said Cobb. “I have gone from thinking this was the weirdest band I have ever been in, to thinking we are the most normal dudes in town perhaps that makes us weird.”

While The Reds rarely tour, fans can catch them around Little Rock. “Economy of Motion” is available on iTunes.

NAVIGATE

Please visit our sponsors and help keep Nightflying FREE!