REDD KROSS is a band's band, and a critics' darling; they are larger-than-life, with a sense of devotion to their idols and kitsch that is endearingly sincere.

Brothers Jeffrey and Steven McDonald scorched the local Los Angeles landscape with a half-dozen glorious 60 second pop-punk gems on their 1980 self-titled debut e.p. ('Red Cross'). Their sophomore offering, 1982's brilliant 'Born Innocent', was a document of beautiful rawness, a psychedelic maelstrom of abandoned exuberance. 1984 saw Redd Kross' third release, 'Teen Babes From Monsanto'. It was the ultimate tribute to their heroes: the entire album was cover songs. Chameleon voiced guitar guru Robert Hecker joined the band in 1984 to tour in support of 'Teen Babes', and to solidify the Kross' towering frontline. In 1987, the band released the landmark 'Neurotica', which has earned a place on many critics' all-time-greatest-albums lists.

Never content to repeat the same formula, the band returned on Atlantic Records in 1990 with 'Third Eye', a polished, kaleidoscopic effort that laid testament to the dizzying musical heights that the band was achieving during this era. Robert took leave from the band in 1991; in 1993, Jeff and Steve returned with a revamped lineup to release the magnificent 'Phaseshifter', and Redd Kross finally began to tour outside of North America. 1997 saw the release of the astounding 'Show World', followed by an extended hiatus that would last almost a decade. Fast forward to 2006: the classic Neurotica line up of Jeff, Steve, Robert, and drummer Roy McDonald regrouped for a series of high profile shows in select cities around the globe.

The live DVD collection 'Got Live If You Must' was released in 2008, capturing the band at their spectacular best. They have otherwise been holed up in the studio, working on a new album. 2009 marks Robert's tenth year with Redd Kross. He is quite happy about this, and he is also delighted to be sharing some of his songs and guitar techniques with PlayThisRiff. "The most important thing that I would like to impart upon young musicians is to find your own voice - be yourself." Hear, hear.