Live music review: Legendary alt rockers Redd Kross played Parish on Rock and Roll Party tour
A ton can happen in 45 years. Hawthorne, California’s Redd Kross started in the childhood home of brothers Jeff and Steve McDonald. With a mountain-sized group of former members and collaborators, things have shaken out with the punk-infused alternative rock band that has them set up with not one, but two members of the current lineup of sludge pioneers, The Melvins—enlisting the help of drummer Dale Crover and constant RK member Steve McDonald who are two-thirds of the Washington state act. The latter also played in Keith Morris-fronted band OFF!, who announced their dissolution in 2024. Since reforming and recording a double, self-titled record, Redd Kross is touring again and bringing what bassist McDonald would call a “Rock and Roll Party” to every city the Kross has placed on their itinerary. For the Austin stop on their tour, the California alt-rockers rolled into East Side hideaway, Parish on August 7, ready to deliver their top-down assault of tunes that made for a career-spanning performance.
Upon arrival at Parish to witness what was billed as a DJ set from drummer Dale Crover, the audience instead was greeted by the percussionist wielding an Epiphone Hummingbird acoustic guitar, playing solo material and some goodies sprinkled on from his main band. Melvins cover “The Bit,” featured a shriek of audience participation; it was evident the diehard fans had come ready to rock the night away. Crover’s versatility blossomed with the opening set, showing Crover using his drum skills to his advantage, making himself a one-man band that kept the audience engaged in every chipped-away note. Crover’s merch table had posters that read “Dale Crover Acoustic DJ Set.” Well played, Dale.
When Redd Kross punctually took the stage at 9:30 pm on the dot, the self-proclaimed rock and roll party kicked off into full force. Since the release of their new double LP, a hint of revitalization was visible as the band took the stage. Ready to fire out tunes in a tight, rehearsed, and interwoven fashion, the quartet wasted no time in getting down to business. The band’s chemistry and individual talents were on full display, allowing the audience to feel connected and appreciative of their dynamic. Each member of the ensemble was recognized, showcasing solo sections, band member interaction, and brotherly banter. It was obvious that this has become something that goes beyond a passion project for the McDonald brothers. Lead guitarist Jason Shapiro made every shredding guitar solo section a highlight, allowing his spectacle of fretboard mastery to be put on display at every turn. During these string-ripping sessions, the rest of the players made sure to draw attention to the soloing member, letting the audience know exactly where their attention needed to be.
The bond between the Kross outfit was evident throughout the entire performance. Each instrumentalist gave visible praise to one another, making the supergroup evenly knit, while each member gave the audience a snapshot of their backgrounds, past and present. S. McDonald’s experience with The Melvins carries over to Red Kross in a way that is perceived as that of being his own frontman. Despite plenty of interaction with his onstage sibling counterpart, he makes his presence known and astronomically shows his graciousness. If you can make someone like Buzz Osborne smile, then you’re a fun musician to make one’s acquaintance. There even came a moment when the bass extraordinaire took lead vocals for a cut while J McDonald sat back and let the other shine. Another highlight came in the form of cover track “Pretty Please Me” by 1970s British band The Quick. The audience appeared to be familiar with the non-original tune, with the older parts of the evening’s attendees rejoicing in every note.
Redd Kross may have split up once, but fortunately for fans of their long, fabled tenure, they’re back and better than ever. Their 45-year journey is a testament to their enduring presence in the music industry. A lot has happened over their long and steady existence, but they’ve weathered it all. Despite new projects, paths, and heavy touring in their respective other projects, the Kross is on the road again, sharing their rock and roll know-how with fans from generations stretching decades of their alternative rock empire. It’s a journey that evokes nostalgia and appreciation for their enduring presence with years of rock and roll history attached. Even the most hardcore of punks take heed to their impossibly fun expeditions with every night of the Kross taking the stage.
Redd Kross will continue to tour with a run in Europe this Fall.
All photos by Troy Gonzales
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