It’s often the lesser known (though no less important) bands who can define a scene and capture a moment in time, and a prime example would be Red Rockers. Originally active from 1979 to 1985, their melodic, politically-charged brand of music was indicative of punk’s second wave, yet despite releasing a series of era-defining anthems they failed to sustain the level of success their sound so thoroughly deserved. However, hindsight is a wonderful (and terrible) thing and with the passage of time we can clearly see this New Orleans crew as the bridge linking the Clash and the Dils to modern day stadium fillers Green Day and The Offspring. Offering a tantalising glimpse of what could have been had the cards been cut differently, It’s In Our Blood is a previously unreleased live set that found Red Rockers at the peak of their powers, delivering a punchy, pugnacious performance, and one that should increase their standing exponentially. 

After a lengthy hiatus, three founding members of Red Rockers reformed to promote an expanded reissue of their critically-acclaimed debut album, Condition Red. 11th November 2023 was the date, Tipitina’s, New Orleans, was the venue, and a sold-out crowd was their audience. To say the band’s appearance was eagerly awaited would be something on an understatement, but if the Red Rockers were feeling nerves at all, they were the kind that put a spring in the step. Favourable comparisons were often drawn between Red Rockers and the Clash, and it is with a cover of ‘I’m So Bored With The U.S.A.’ that they kick things off. Spiky and edgy, but marinated in melody, it’s as if someone has detonated a bomb as waves of energy radiate from the stage and shake the venue’s foundations. It’s In Our Blood is the type of recording that bottles the excitement of a live gig, meaning that the listener isn’t immune from the band’s charms and if the following ‘Teenage Underground’ doesn’t make anyone in your vicinity strut their stuff, I suggest you check for a pulse.

It’s In Our Blood found Red Rockers performing the whole of Condition Red in its entirety (albeit in a different running order and with ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ only available on the Blu-ray) and what becomes apparent is just how well songs such as ‘Dead Heroes’ have aged. That might be a damning indictment on how little we’ve evolved as a society, but it’s more likely testament to Red Rockers’ ability to write timeless tunes with ‘White Law’ sounding as fresh as the day it was conceived. Those Clash allusions are ever-present, not only in the tenacious, but tuneful, songs but also in the depth and breadth of their musical knowledge, and in addition to the aforementioned Johnny Cash cover, the band put their own stamp on The Who’s ‘My Generation’ (coupling it with their own ‘Condition Red’). Yet, It’s In Our Blood finds Red Rockers playing to their strengths, rocking a signature sound that pushes the accelerator firmly to floor, taking the listener on a white-knuckle ride that comes full circle with the title-track of their debut EP, ‘Guns Of Revolution’.

This live album and accompanying Blu-ray proves that Red Rockers are still carrying that revolutionary spirit, in fact; it’s in their blood.

• It’s In Our Blood is released via Liberation Hall on 22nd May 2026 (available here).

CD / Vinyl Track List:

1. I’m So Bored With The U.S.A.
2. Teenage Underground
3. Peer Pressure
4. Can You Hear
5. Know What I Think
6. United We Stand
7. Dead Heroes
8. Grow Up
9. Condition Red/My Generation
10. Hold On
11. Missing In Action
12. White Law
13. Voice Of America
14. Live Or Die
15. Guns Of Revolution

Blu-ray Track List:

1. I’m So Bored With The U.S.A.
2. Teenage Underground
3. Peer Pressure
4. Nothing To Lose
5. Can You Hear
6. Know What I Think
7. United We Stand
8. Dead Heroes
9. Grow Up
10. China
11. Folsom Prison Blues
12. Condition Red/My Generation
13. Hold On
14. Missing In Action
15. White Law
16. Voice Of America
17. Live Or Die
18. Guns Of Revolution