Formed in April 2009 as a trio, Red Star Rebellion quickly made its impact on Tucson's local rock scene. After the band's second show, the Tucson Rock Alliance (TRA) named the group Tucson’s Featured Alternative Band and posted a review that shot them into the spotlight. Rik, TRA's founder, has since said they are one of the best act's he's booked.

Red Star Rebellion’s frontman Damon McLaughlin, an award-winning poet, brings dynamic vocals and alluring guitar work to the group. A powerful vocalist and the band's primary songwriter, there is no mistaking his stamp on Red Star Rebellion's sound.

McLaughlin’s rhythms are tempered with the leads of rock climber Corey Ellison, who joined Red Star Rebellion in August of 2009. Influenced by guitarists from Jimi Hendrix to Stanley Jordan, Ellison is a natural fit for the band, able to lay into the rhythms as well as to leap into the forefront of the melodies.

Rooted in the blues, bassist Aaron Ekstrom keeps the band's tunes from ranging too far into the open-jam, outer-space zone. With a PhD in Mathematics, he maintains a calculated, low-end rhythm for the group’s frequently syncopated style.

Drummer Joey Ghirardi has gigged coast to coast with previous groups and is the foremost inner-circle enthusiast for Red Star Rebellion. Seasoned promoter as well as percussionist, he drives the Rebellion with unbridled verve with and without his kit.

Together McLaughlin, Ellison, Ekstrom, and Ghirardi become a rock band unique among rock bands, producing a sound and style definable only as Red Star Rebellion. While the group’s influences may be heard, the band’s groove is solidly their own; as other acts follow the trend, Red Star Rebellion sets it.
 

Tucson, AZ November 1, 2009 - Red Star Rebellion releases their first EP this month, demonstrating why, having been officially together only since mid-summer, they are not your average rock band.

In the group's first review, the Tucson Rock Alliance put it this way: "Red Star Rebellion had just begun their set . . . . I almost couldn't believe I was hearing [them] at a local venue and not on the radio . . . . you all know the feeling - something just ignites in you, and they were definitely doing it for me." Melodic, hypnotic, driving - one can't describe Red Star Rebellion (RSR) in one word, and their four-song, 16 minute EP proves the band is anything but a one-trick pony. While "Rust" reminds one of funky, danceable jazz, "Pierced" is reminiscent of straight-ahead rock n' roll, "Love Her" of Hendrix's "Hey Joe," in which a lone progression becomes steadily amped-up. "The Way" is yet a different beast, mellow and meditative, then busting out of its skin exactly when listeners need it to. Although these tunes are eclectic, each is clearly stamped with RSR's singular sound - not another band shares it. Something about it may remind you of a past favorite, but try putting your finger on what that is. And satisfyingly fresh, the band is more likely to lead than follow current cookie-cutter trends. On this no-frills EP, as well as live, Red Star Rebellion is solidly good rock. And your inevitable grooving to them will prove it.

The Red Star Rebellion EP will be available online at their official website, among other places, and a future release party is in the works, but it's clear the band's appeal extends far beyond the local scene. Catch them while you can: something about RSR is different . . . and possibly extraordinary.

WWW.REDSTARREBELLION.COM

Contact: Joey Ghirardi
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