Addenda Records

A kaleidoscope of post-rock and psychedelic pop, the debut release from Reds and Blue is willfully unpredictable from start to finish. With an all-star lineup that includes the mesmerizing vocalist/keyboardist Ellen Bunch (formerly a member of the equally eclectic ZZZZ), bassist Pete Croke, and percussionist Areif Sless-Kitain, this cross-sampling of Chicago talent has produced an infectious and mercurial record.  Side A opens hauntingly: scuttling polyrhythms, reggae-infused bass lines, unlikely chord changes, and Bunch’s sinuous, submerged vocals.  As this theme develops on following tracks, the surprising choice of delay-laced horns, melodica, and hand crafted studio production alters the tone, suggesting Augustus Pablo dubbing out a Pit Er Pat tune.  A more sinister vibe begins to creep in on the flipside.  Shadows of Sabbathian proto-metal sweep across the sound, though the more psychedelic leanings of the era still win out.  With each spin of the record, another blissful nuance captures your attention.  It’s an album that pleases early on, but really begins to imbed and impress with each passing listen.