Having known about Red Medicine since their very first recordings is a blessing and a curse. On one hand I am glad to have seen their remarkable progression, but on the other hand because of this I think it's safe to say that I've been looking forward to this release for a very, very, very long time. The band includes...
Matt Houston - Guitar/Vocals
Dan Smith - Guitar
Andrew Wright - Bass
Ed Hamaty - Drums
Red Medicine is also one of the best bands in the state, with a live show to match. Their debut album is entitled Ancient Cartography, it is both a chaotic and euphoric blend of post-punk, jazz, screamo and spoken word style vocals. Above everything else though, an active listener will be immediately struck by the overwhelming sense urgency which lies just below the surface of this record, something which is missing amongst the many formulaic "punk" bands out there. Dan Smith and Houston compliment each other perfectly, working in unison against the soft backdrop of bass and subtly off tempo drumming created by Wright and Hamaty.
Ancient Cartography is expertly mixed and produced by the band's own Matt Houston, setting a high standard of DIY excellence which proves that local bands need not rely on traditional studio recording practices which are far too exclusive and expensive. Like many true punk bands, Red Medicine is committed to the Do-It-Your-Self way of doing things, down to the minute details like CD packaging and label design. .This DIY philosophy even extends as far as releasing such a monumental effort for free online via the bands bandcamp page, and no I don't mean pay-what-you-want....I mean free.
RED MEDICINE LIVE @ THE CASTLE
Red Medicine's live shows are legendary and every time I attend one it's always better than the last, these guys know how to drive a crowd up the walls, in the best possible way. Whether it's The Castle in Mexico, Maine or at Poland St. in Portland these guys always steal the show, if you have a chance to get out and see them then do. Seriously, I mean it.
Red Medicine belongs to Rough Draft Records, a Portland, ME based DIY label who's mission statement is as unrestricted as the music it represents:
"The main idea is to have something to write on the backs of demos for the various bands we’re in, and more importantly to establish some sort of central hub for the various friends of ours making music in our home, Maine."
Other bands on Rough Draft Records include:
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