Ska band's grind to record album

A ska band is proving the force is strong with them by finally releasing its long-awaited debut album.
RedEyed Jedi. Picture by Clearway MediaRedEyed Jedi. Picture by Clearway Media
RedEyed Jedi. Picture by Clearway Media

Seven-piece RedEyed Jedi, who have become a well-known name on the Wigan scene over the past few years, have completed a four-year journey by getting the 11 tracks of The Grind out for fans to buy.

The group, made up of guitarist Danny Leyland, sax player Steve Horrocks, trumpeter Hayley Woodward, cornettist Ellen Arnold, trombonist Ewen Pennington, bassist Tom Roberts and drummer James Horrocks, take audiences on a journey into northern working-class life over the course of the album.

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The Grind starts out with the group’s typically bright and breezy ska-influenced sounds before taking a more serious turn on the title track and finishing with a more upbeat reggae feel.

Guitarist Danny said: “This feels like a milestone we’ve been working towards for four years and it’s been an interesting journey.

“There are three re-recorded and re-mastered tracks from our EP and the rest are newer. The album is all about real life and the issues the average person faces. It’s also about the lifestyle of a working man.

“We’ve also released a music video for our songs Pirate of the House Party, which is quite funny and about the goings on at a typical nothern house party.

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“It’s about a guy who leaves the pub and doesn’t want to go home, so he finds there’s a party going on and muscles in.”

The Grind shows off the band’s broad range of influences, including Less Than Jake, UB40, Bob Marley, The Specials and The Clash.

RedEyed Jedi will also make their debut this year at the prestigious Great Northern Mod and Ska Festival and Danny hopes releasing the album will open more doors in terms of live dates and broadening the band’s fanbase.

The album was recorded at Alien Sound Studios near Skelmersdale with the final mix being done by Orrell-based producer Adam Dixon.

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The fruits of the band’s labours were officially launched to the music scene with a gig last month at Skelmersdale venue The Engine Rooms, and Danny says feedback has so far been extremely positive.

The Grind by RedEyed Jedi is out now. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/OfficialRedEyedJedi/

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