Blonde Redhead

Blonde Redhead

Blonde Redhead is a US alternative rock band from New York, active since 1993. The group forms around Kazu Makino and the Italian twin brothers Simone Pace and Amedeo Pace, with Maki Takahashi as an original member. Its line-up later includes Toko Yasuda, and the band is associated with alternative rock, indie rock and rock.

Formation and name

The band begins in New York City in the early 1990s. It takes its name from a song by DNA, a New York no wave band from the 1970s and 1980s. Blonde Redhead first draws attention after Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley produces its self-titled debut album in 1993. Soon afterwards, Maki Takahashi leaves, and the group continues as a trio.

Albums and collaborators

On the third album, Fake Can Be Just As Good, the band works with Vern Rumsey of Unwound as a guest bassist. After that, it records without a bass player on later releases. For the fourth album, In an Expression of the Inexpressible, Guy Picciotto of Fugazi serves as producer and also sings on “Futurism vs. Passeism Part 2”. Picciotto also produces Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and Misery Is a Butterfly.

Style and development

The band gains gradual recognition in the underground music scene. Its early work is often described as similar to Sonic Youth, while later releases move away from that comparison. Kazu Makino is known for her high, eerie voice over melodic guitar parts and rhythmic drumming.

Later releases

The band’s seventh album is 23. Its eighth album is Penny Sparkle. The long gap between Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and Misery Is a Butterfly is linked to Makino’s recovery after being trampled by a horse, and the imagery on Misery Is a Butterfly reflects that accident.