Band: The Red Elvises
Genre: Rock-a-billy / Rock-n-Roll / World / Surf / 50s
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Outrageous and deserving of their place as one of the greatest bands ever to "succeed" in the "Indie Music Industry" as it stands today, are the Red Elvises; A band reknowned for their unique blend of rock-a-billy / surf, traditional Russian, Hard Rock, disco, jazz and Mediterranean musical styles. The last time I watched these performers (and they are just as much "performers as they are musicians") I could barely squeeze into the arena. The crowd was entranced with the action and as involved with the music as with the band; doing the closet disco, singing choruses about stupid blue birds, and creating congo lines -- just to name a few.

The Red Elvises pride themselves as being "the only Rock n' roll ever to come out of Siberia", their homeland from which they migrated over ten years ago after living through an era when Rock n' roll (and the like) had to bought on a black market and kept underground. But those days are behind them now. They have made the freak filled shores of Venice Beach California their home and America their playground.

Oleg Bernov with his giant triangular bass guitar (modeled after a Russian contrabass balalaika) and guitarist/vocalist Igor Yuzov, master of Elvis stylings, are THE Red Elvises -- bringing in musicians to do a tour and to lay down tracks. The Band, however, has seen many incarnations. A complete history of the Red Elvises can be found on their website, as well as many free mp3's, a 'rockenrol radio' to listen to while you browse, all 12 of their self-produced albums, and much much more.

The list of accomplishments for this band is vast. To begin with, they've got their own record label, their music filled the soundtrack of the cult classic movie, "Six-String Samurai", and VH1 did a "Behind the Music" documentary on them ("...and then, terror struck..."), and they have opened for artists such as Chubby Checker -- just to point out some highlights of a long list of accomplishments for these guys. If ever there was a doubt that a band could "make it" without a major label backing them up, then here's living proof. In fact, they've even turned down a few.

The band has been very influenced by what Yuzov labels as "the forbidden music coming from the West," which in his case translates as ’50s / ’60’s surf music and rockabilly. Some Stray Cats, The Ventures and some British bands -- including the Beatles and the Rolling Stones -- also had a hand in shaping the Red Elvises' music.

Their music is about enjoying life. Its "upbeat, party music. People come and have fun. That’s the whole idea behind it." said Yuzov. "It’s like a kindergarten for adults ... people kind of become similar that they used to be when they were 14-16, dancing, going crazy. People dance, party. It’s very festive atmosphere... its like carnival or something."

Some songs are sung in English and some in Russian but the influence of both cultures is always prevalent. They cover everything from Tom Waits to U2, always wrapping themselves around the pieces. But they write much of what they preform themselves and they are as talented songwriters as they are musicians. There is something intriguing about the sound emanating from this band. Old country meets the freak show and, yes, I like it! In fact I might have just found a new favorite. Here are my reviews of a few of their singles:

Sex in Paradise: Download This Track >> Harry Belafonte meets Russian flapper stranded on Island with banjo and blow up big band back up. This song is catchy as hell and has a tendency to repeat itself over and over in your mind for days after listening -- so just be warned. But its worth it... seriously. The song starts off with a few taps on the ol' piano but soon bursts with banjo, piano, trombone, a big bass sound, and crazy ass vocals, thick with accent singing "tra la la la la" and whistling between verses. The chorus goes something like this: "Kiss your mom goodbye. The fat old Bi*ch will cry... Under the blue blue sky, stupid blue birds fly eating butterflys. Sex in Paradise."
Its just a light humorous song. "Everybody" chimes in at the end to sing the last round and theres even a set of female back up "doo doo doobie doo" girls. What more could you ask for? Rocketman: Download This Track >> Probably one of the more notable Rock-a-billy / surf songs with that Red Elvises "cult classic" feel, but there is still that big band feel. It's rare to find a song on any of their albums with a single sylistic influence, and this is no exception. Igor's voice starts off hovering over a crisp guitar, then 1,2,3 bang! Brass and a huge drum sound -- and lets not forget the chorus with all its "be bop a lula's and sha la la la's. Then its back to that hovering again. I really love the composition on this piece. The Red Elvises are masters at putting things together and keeping their songs up beat and dance-able the whole way through. I choose this tune to review because the people that are into the sound of this song are going to be new followers of the band. There are not many others out there that can really pull it off, and these guys are spectacular at it.

There is a spark of life in everything the Red Elvises create. It is my opinion that other artists and bands should follow their example and really create a sound of their own by pulling out their inner spirit and exposing it to the light. Please don't hear me putting anything heavy or serious onto these guys. They are all about the fun and good time'n. And thats what makes them great. They have so much music available to preview, so you certainly have a lot to check out. And as for the live show -- you don't want to pass up the chance to catch a show. And it is a show. Signing off. ~bfreaks

 - Courtney Ayrryas
   BandFreaks Staff Reviewer