Red Flag- Serenity

Artist:  Red Flag

CD Title: Serenity

Label: Plan B Records

Genre: dark/synthpop

Legendary synthpop band Red Flag returns with another incredible collection of originals. Serenity is a strong comeback since their last full length release Remnants in 2008. Though Serenity makes no promises of being the quintessential Red Flag album, it still has enough strength and charm to proudly stand on it's own. There is something here for everyone, from more commercial tracks like "Once Again"and "Oxygen" reminiscent of classic Red Flag fare, to harder, darker moodier pieces like"Serenity", "Maybe This Maybe Is Gone" and "Look At Me". Originally from Liverpool, brothers Chris Reynolds and Mark Reynolds formed the synth outfit Red Flag in 1982. They were actually called "Shades of May" until 1985 when they changed their name to "Naive Art", which they used until mid 1988. They finally decided on the name that would eventually make them International snythpop superstars Red Flag. Their debut LP ironically entitled "Naive Art" was released on Enigma Records. It charted highly on the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts, such as "Russian Radio" (No. 11) and "If I Ever" (No. 12). Red Flag went on to appear on American Bandstand, and the video for "Russian Radio" was played by MTV's 120 Minutes. Notable producers who worked on Naïve Art include Paul Robb of synthpop band Information Society and Joseph Watt of remix service Razormaid. Naïve Art remains the only full album Razormaid ever produced. In 1991, Enigma Records closed, and the duo signed on with I.R.S. Records and released "Machines" in 1992 before leaving the label in 1993. The brothers founded their own independent record label, Plan B Records , in 1993. Between the years 1994 to 2002 Red Flag released several albums and singles. Unfortunately, none of their releases ever received the critical acclaim or level of attention that "Naive Art" received. Sadly in April of 2003 vocalist Mark Reynolds committed suicide. For the next four years, Red Flag remained dormant. In 2007, they returned as a one man operation consisting of surviving member Chris Reynolds, with the aptly titled album "Born Again". With Chris writing, producing and performing vocal duties, he was determined to get Red Flag back on track. Red Flag soon found an audience in the dark industrial and goth genres. "Serenity" does not try to reinvent the wheel. Chris is confident with the old adage "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Ethereal and moody atmospheres continue to be the dominant themes here. Though you can certainly hear how Chris is influenced by the more aggressive EBM and industrial market in songs like "Halo" and "Beyond Hereafter". Red Flag, unlike other acts of it's ilk like Cause & Effect, continues to keep the original formula intact, while bands like Cause & Effect continue to evolve to more contemporary trends. If you are looking for another stellar hit like "Russian Radio" or "If I Ever" you won't find that level of pop brilliance here, but what you will find is 18 very strong, dark and delicious synth pop treats that is comfort food for the soul.

Take a listen now!