Reviews of the Recordings
RedRover/DharmaBoys split CD
Ok, this is sort of a late review. I purchased the RedRover/DharmaBoys split CD from Interpunk back in October. I posted a small review on the CD at interpunk, but I didn't really go in detail enough. When I hear split CD's, it's not too often that I like both bands as much as I did on this one. Both bands have a catchy pop-punk sound, with surprises from RR's energy driven songs to the DharmaBoys funny lyrics. RedRover's sound is so exciting and energetic. This isn't a CD your going to listen to, while just sitting at a desk. It's going to keep you moving. Pounding guitars, amazing vocals, chorus lines roaming through your head all day. RedRover's sound is the kind you'll have turned on high, while driving your car to work, but stay alert, you may find yourself driving 90mph. To me, the two bands have sounds that resemble bands like Dynamite Boy, Punchline, Gibbler, Weston, and many other great names. Only one difference, they sound even better. I recommend downloading RedRover's songs"Samantha" and "Drive"......and DharmaBoys "Dead Girl In My Trunk" and "Vanishing". If you like these songs, (and you will), then you will love the CD. Even though the DharmaBoys' songs are a little more medium paced next to RedRover's, they still have amazing melody, and will remain in your head day after day. I don't mean to sound like I'm rubbing anything in, but I think I ordered the last copy from Interpunk. So, I'd suggest clicking on the RedRover banner at the bottom of the page, and see if the band still has copies left. Also, just for your information, I believe the Dharma Boys broke up a while back, so you may want to try and get this CD before it's out of print!!! Two bands this amazing don't come along on a split CD that often.
-Mike Anthony
Red Rover- 5 tracks from upcoming split CD w/Dharma Boys
This is music to my ears... man, more bands should sound like this. Redrover is from New Jersey, but they don't have that typical Midtown/Boxcar sound that a lot of New Jersey bands are developing (nothing against those bands personally... I just don't care for that style).
On their webpage, Redrover describe themselves as "a punky, power-pop, indie rock" band... I guess that's pretty accurate. I don't know how to describe them, other than "good." Lots of melodic vocals, both lead and backup; they just kind of flow throughout the songs with the music... reminds me a little bit of Walter Krug. The best tune on here, in my opinion, is "Samantha."
-Ant
Carslile Records
Burnt Zine
Issue #3
Sept/Oct 2000
Red Rover-"Demo #3" (5 song CD)-
This CD is full of catchy hooks and rhythms and is quite impressive. It is very poppy but yet still enjoyable and it grows on you the more you listen to it. After a bunch of listens, I can draw moderate comparisons to bands like Whippersnapper, Lanemeyer, and Fenix Tx but in the long run it is the poppy edge that makes the band stand out. If you're up for some fun very poppy punk this is one to check out.
-Joe
Burnt Zine
Reviews of the live shows
Volume 67, #15
Monday, Jan 26, 2001
RedRover / DharmaBoys Release Show a Success
 The Stage was set last week for the RedRover / DharmaBoys record release party out on Decibull Records. People eagerly awaited the show while waiting in line. When the curtains went up the crowd packed into the American Legion Hall of West Paterson...
... the crowd anxiously awaited the start of RedRover's set.
RedRover took the stage in traditional fashion, joking around with eachother. RedRover flew through their set with great force and energy. You almost felt obliged to sing along with their catchy songs. Their sound is very similar to the Promise Ring, but with dueling guitar leads. The crowd and I ate it up. After all was said and done, the crowd begged for more, but the show had to go on.
  ... this definitely was the highlight of NJ's punk scene. RedRover stole the show as soon as they got on the stage. RedRover's one of those bands that always gives everything they have. You have to respect a band that puts forth the effort, every show, to capture the moment...
-Matt Harabin
Ass't. Insider Editor
...RedRover came on and the crowd gathered around to see. They're local favorites here in NJ. Although their CD is not out yet, kids come out to see them so much that they're able to sing along. They encompass all the best aspects of punk, emo and rock & roll. If you want to see a band full of energy and musically amazing, check out REDROVER.
-Anthony "Stumpy" Strumph
Stumpy Productions and Booking
Interviews, etc.
Premier Issue
October 2000
You guys practice at your house on Tilt Street, but everyone's from different areas, true?
Yes, John is from Wayne, and I went to school in Wayne. That's where we met. Jay is origionally from Boonton, but he moves around. He lives in Dover right now, and he might be moving to Pennsylvania. CJ is from Nutley.
Musically, do you think your band's current line-up puts you where you want to be?
Yeah, definitely. Jay is just a great guy. CJ complements what we're doing well, especially for someone who hasn't been playing the guitar very long. He was a drummer. We've gotten a lot of comments since he's joined the band, we've gotten a lot tighter.
How would you describe your music?
Jay likes to say pop punk. Over the years, John and I have narrowed it down to punky, power pop, indie rock.
You guys just got back from your first tour? How was that experience and where did you play?
The consensus was that it was the greatest week of our lives. We played five shows in six days. We played Louisville, Ky., Peoria, IL., Evansville, Ind., Bridgeport, IL., and finally Detroit. We had our own van and we borrowed a trailor from John's dad. We met so many people and made friends in every town we played in.
Your latest project is a split CD with the DharmaBoys of North Haledon. What are the plans for that record?
It's going to be on Decibull Records. The concept of the split is that you can be exposed to two different bands who don't necessarily have the same sound, but are in the same genre. Hopefully, its going to expose our music to a lot of people.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be in a band?
One of the key points is that you get out of it what you put into it. Once you get the fever of being in a band, and how it feels to play shows, right music, and have people listen to you, you think that you can be a rock star and live "the rock star dream." But once you really start doing it and you learn a little about the music business, you begin to see that there is a feasible way to go about doing it. You can make a living by making music, and that's pretty much our goal. Jay likes to say "DIY," - do it yourself. Granted, everyone has other obligations, but you've got to be willing to do the work, and hopefully it will pay off.
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This page was last modified on 2/15/2002. © 1999-2001 RedRover
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