STL Sound March, 2008
Red Edmund | The Power of Three
By Laura Hamlett
From first listen, there’s something riveting about Red Edmund frontman Cory Graddy’s flexible, floating and somewhat nasal delivery. It’s rich, uplifting, soaring, edging effortlessly into a beautiful, heavenly falsetto. Backing Cory’s vocals and guitar are bassist Tim Lyons and drummer Chad Geiser, resulting in a perfectly tight trio.Red Edmund formed a little over two years ago; it’s just released a debut self-titled CD, ten inspiring, thought-provoking, feel-good songs. There’s nothing extraneous here, no senseless guitar solos or overarching bass lines. The drums stay where they belong: behind the music, driving, but never overpowering. It’s timeless, really, as all good pop music should be: fully of the moment and current, yet lasting, appealing to a wide range of ages and social circles.
This local indie power-pop trio has two hometowns, with band members divided between St. Louis and Bloomington, Ill. Two hometowns, two hometown crowds; fitting, as it’s the live show where Red Edmund truly comes alive. The three players interact and respond so well to one another, it’s as if there’s deeper something going on than just band rehearsals paying off. Onstage, the three function as one unit in three parts, each woven intricately together, synergistically; up front, Cory and Tim take turns driving the show or bantering with the crowd when the others step back, tune or wet the whistle.
For their part, the guys are aware they’re onto something special, an underlying understanding that runs deeper than most band lineups. “The first song we ever played together was ‘Foot to Mouth,’” says Chad, referencing an upbeat, toe-tapping track on the new CD. “We counted it off about 15 minutes after I met Cory, and played it start to finish with no mistakes.
“When a band is on the same page, you can tell by the quality of the songs, the live performance and the finished recordings. We all have a lot of respect for one another,” he says, stating the obvious. “We’re very lucky.”
Tim nods in agreement. “All the training in the world can’t give you a good ear for music or the ability to communicate ideas to other musicians. With Red Edmund, we have grown to understand how each of us plays and hears music, and by doing so, can get a lot accomplished during practice.”
Since their union is often one of distance, songwriting presents a slight challenge. Still, they’ve managed to work it to their advantage, thanks to the wonders of high-speed Internet connections and a rigorous rehearsal schedule. “A lot of the songs start out with a simple idea on an acoustic guitar,” explains Cory. “I’ll make a quick demo recording of the idea and e-mail it to Tim and Chad. By the time we get together for our next practice, we are ready to start putting ideas together as a band for arrangements.”
Still, after all the glowing words and recommendations from friends, potential listeners may still ask that dreaded question: “But what do they sound like?” Cory laughs off the query; he’s heard it countless times before, obviously. “If you were to take bands like Elbow, Ben Folds, and The Cardigans and mix them all together, you would end up with a Red Edmund song,” he offers.
Next up: the famed CD release show, scheduled for Saturday, March 8 at Cruisin’ Rte. 66. “Cruisin’ is a great place to see live music,” says Chad enthusiastically. “They have a great sound system and the food and drinks are cheap and very good!”
As for what the rest of the year holds, well, with a spankin’ new CD under their belts and more shows on the horizon, Red Edmund’s future is clear. “More fans, more songs,” says Chad with a grin. “And Cory wants one of those Red Rider BB guns.”
Album Review: Red Edmund, S/t
smilepolitely.com Champaign, Il.
Album Review: Red Edmund, S/t
Posted to MUSIC / R...
Album Review: Red Edmund, S/t
Posted to MUSIC / REVIEWS by William Gillespie and C.D. Scoggins
Monday, April 28, 2008 9:30 AM
Cristy: Ah...the mid-1990s. Before Nickelback and Limp Bizkit clogged up radio with generic tattooed sludge, the rock that rose from Nirvana's Pacific-Northwestern ash was everywhere. Exquisite Sunny Day Real Estate. Mellow Toad the Wet Sprocket. And, of course, Radiohead B.C. (Before Critical-darlingness). St.Louis/Bloomington's Red Edmund hearkens back to that glorious time period.
A trio consisting of Cory Graddy (guitar, vocals, keyboards, songwritng), Tim Lyons (bass, vocals) and Chad Geiser (drums, vocals, trumpet), Red Edmund wear those mid-1990s influences on the their sleeves — their bold cover of Radiohead's "Planet Telex" (from The Bends) is part of their live show. In fact, their eponymous CD is rife with the Pablo Honey-era Radiohead sound.
When you listen to this album, especially a few times, you can tell that Red Edmund are trained musicians. Not just rock musicians, but classically trained in some form. Songs like "Taking Me Down" employ some jazziness in their chords. "Foot to Mouth" is poppy stuff, like Red Kross or Spoon, while "Lamp Lit" sneaks in a calypso/lounge sound with some well-timed horns toward the end.
W: That's a coolly peculiar moment at the end of "Lamp Lit"; the festive quality of the music seems at odds with the darkness in the lyrics. That song has a complex vocal melody; the guitar solo is well-crafted. There's a strong sense of teamwork in the arrangements, instruments fusing into solid red-lollipop, power trio polish. Drum patterns seem sensitive to song structures. Even the vocals usually refuse to foreground themselves. An evil innocence exists in the harsh articulation of the lyrics, hopping from gravel to tone. Graddy's voice is distinctive — if on task — and its unique character may help define the band's sound.
C: Especially for Sunny Day Real Estate fans. Craddy's voice, a nasal, intense timbre, is a lot like Jeremy Enigk's. It shines in the slow, mellower songs, like "Eraser." It's the standout track of the album, mellow and subtle — and it makes the most of everybody's musicianship.
W: Guitar technique throughout allows for broad strokes but delicate textures as well. Only rarely does it scream, "I am an electric guitar!" It doesn't behave like a lead instrument, which is refreshing. Horns and keyboards are deployed gently to add extra notes, harmonic details to complicate the rock. Every note and beat seem intentional. The CD features four additional guitarists, few of whom seem to engage in any sort of heroics, suggesting that the band knows what they want. It's not about the rockers. There is a solo in "Taking me Down" that seems improvised, but the mix gives it subtlety.
I totally respect that the musicians seem in service of the instruments which are in service of the songs. But I have the same trouble that I have with Radiohead — I don't know what the songs are about. They sound different from each other, but I don't know why. It's headphone music, not campfire music. The songs cannot be extracted from their arrangements or distilled to an essential message.
C: Thank god for that. Sometimes I just don't care about the message. In the immortal words of Twisted Sister, "I wanna rock!"
W: It's not writers' music, I guess.
C: These are accomplished musicians who pay attention to chords and tempos, which means the songs are communicating moods, not words.
W: It's definitely a CD to live with for awhile, not to listen to three times, then review. But you gotta do what you gotta do.
C: (listening to "Foot to Mouth" for the third time, breaks into song, off-key): "Run away with me toni-i-i-i-i-ight!"
Red Edmund CD release | 03.08.08
Written by PLAYBACK:stlRed Edmund CD release | 03.08.08
Friday, 15 February 2008
Written by PLAYBACK:stl
Cruisin' Rte. 66
w/Tell Tale Heart & Le Concorde (Chicago)
We've long been sweet on Red Edmund. Like many contemporary relationships, ours began online. You see, we've got a profile on the dating site Sonicbids, which has been making beautiful unions between bands and opportunities for years now. Our profile says something like, "Indie web-only music magazine seeking musicians with CDs for review. We like long walks on the beach in the moonlight, romantic music on the iPod, and a headphones jack for two." Red Edmund were just one of many who responded, but we knew from the very first note that this band was something special. We emailed, arranged a meeting. Red Edmund gave us some of their favorite music (their own, of course), which we instantly devoured through the above-mentioned headphones-built-for-two. We were falling, and we knew just what we had to do.
What followed was a series of meetings in dark and crowded rooms—the PLAYBACK:stl Tuesday night series at Cicero's, Cruisin' Rte. 66, a chilly winter night at the Ten Mile House. You know what came next: we went out of town together. Last fall, when we met up with Red Edmund in Cincinnati for MidPoint Music Festival, we knew it was time to announce our relationship to the world.
So, world, here it is; without further ado, without embarrassment or fear our parents won't approve, we'd like to let you know that PLAYBACK:stl and Red Edmund have planned a civil union. Together, we are pleased to present to you the official Red Edmund CD release party. We thought it was only fitting the ceremony should take place at a place with some history to us as a couple, so we've selected Cruisin' Rte. 66—not only is it a sentimental location, but also has great hospitality and a welcoming feel. A perfect place for tying the knot and inviting all our friends.
Standing up for us that night will be best man Tell Tale Heart and maid of honor Le Concorde, the latter of whom are coming in from Chicago for the joyous occasion. All the love in a single room—just thinking about it brings tears to our eyes.
After kisses are exchanged, the music will begin...and oh, what a night of indie rock/power pop it will be. Trust us when we say the three bands on tap tonight will more than fill you with romance. We promise that, regardless of whether you catch the garter or not, you'll go home with stars in your eyes and a song in your heart.
The Pulse
Saturday, January 05, 2008
RED EDMUND SELF T...
Saturday, January 05, 2008
RED EDMUND SELF TITILED LP REVIEW
To quote drummer Chad Geiser, "Red Edmund hopes that more and more musicians will take advantage of the tools available to them that were not there ten years ago. By doing so, musicians get to do what they love, and fans gain control of their music collection." The tools he is referring to are the ability for musicians to take control of their own destiny rather than waiting for it. Instead of being signed to a label, these guys started their own, Black Coffee Recordings. They are living proof that a CD can be recorded in a basement, distributed through the internet, and get to you, the music fan without the band ever leaving home. But what of quality you ask? Well, I'm sure that will depend on many variables, but whatever the boys of Red Edmund are doing is working for this critic.
The CD starts with the track, "Moon", a catchy, radio friendly tune that feature frontman Cory Graddy's unique voice giving you hook after hook with well controlled falsetto throughout the chorus. This is only the beginning. Tim Lyons (Bass) and the afformentioned Geiser supply a groove the hold you through every song, all while maintaining their own individuality. For example, the tom work at the beginning of "Shirts Lie" is simply infectious. And with lines like, "Still I hope I wounded you more than you wounded me" make this track the high point of the disc. Other tracks that shine are the bubbly introed "Foot To Mouth", "Lay you Out", and "Straight Face". "Lay You Out" is a creepy little dity that builds and falls like some kind of psychotic carnival ride. "Straight Face", probably the heaviest track, crescendo's as the final song to only leave you wanting more. While these five songs are the high points, there really are no lows. This disc does not meet your expectations of something three guys put together in a basement. This is a professionally sounding, well packaged LP that looks and sounds as good as anything out there. So kuddos to Red Edmund for grabbing the music industry by the balls and making this available for us to sample. Hopefully your future will bring much more of the same.
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