New London's Calling, so Let's Go!--The Reducers-Redux--Connecticut Punk Heroes Abide

29 songs, folks, count em. 29.



Sun beat down on a bourgeouis town...


What better treat for Christmas than this Cd collection from New London, Connecticut's stalwarts The Reducers. Any fan of great high energy punky rock n roll will love this! Redux collects most of their early vinyl output on one handy disc. When you hear these guys, you will do a double take, and wonder why you don't know these guys. One great song after the other on Redux. And after more than thirty years these punk rock gladiators are still together, and putting out music and rocking the clubs. And honestly, if somebody you know dislikes this music, check their pulse--they just might be dead!

The Reducers are:

Hugh Birdsall--guitar/vocals
Peter Detmold--guitar/vocals
Steve Kaika--bass/vocals
TomTrombley--drums/vocals

I just had a hard stressful day at work, and now I'm sitting here listening to The Reducers and I have a great big smile on my face. Their music is full of energy and heart, reminiscent of classic bands like The Ramones, The Jam, Dr Feelgood, Pointed Sticks, and The Flys. One listen to the first song on this collection, the infectious Out of Step, and you will be hooked. The guitar onslaught alone makes this a classic number. Listening to this is like opening a secret vault of punk pop greatness, like some arcane Da Vinci Code conspiracy.



Of course there is the classic Let's Go!, the title song of their 2nd album, which comes on like The Replacements mixed with The Only Ones. A kindred song to The Modernettes Teen City. Great great great.
But you also have the rip roarin' No Ambition where you can really hear how tight the band is, pounding it out like a punk rock juggernaut. Rocks is another great little number, but when you have more great songs like Life in the Neighborhood, Bums I Used to Know, and Better Homes and Gardens it is almost overwhelming.



So do yourself a favor and support a supremely worthy band that should have much more than a cult following. This music is absolutely terrific and can be found at Rave On Records' web site along with other Cds, vinyl, and even a DVD. Redux even ends with one of the better rocking Yule Tunes you will hope to hear this year, Nothing for Christmas. A great excuse to tear yourself away from the drama and pageantry of the 400 remaining Republican presidential debates we are forced to endure.