The Redskins: The Politically Charged Soul-Punk Band

The Redskins were a British band that fused the energy of punk with the soulful sounds of Motown and Stax. Hailing from York and later based in London, their brief but potent career in the 1980s is defined by their uncompromising socialist politics and their cult classic album, "Neither Washington Nor Moscow".

Early career

The band formed in York in 1981 from the ashes of the group No Swastikas. The original lineup consisted of Chris Dean (vocals, under the name X Moore), Martin Hewes (bass), and Nick King (drums). They were immediately and explicitly political, aligning themselves with the far-left Workers Revolutionary Party and performing at benefits and rallies.

Their first release was the 1982 single "Lev Bronstein" on the CNT label, a tribute to Leon Trotsky that showcased their raw, soul-punk sound. This early activity caught the attention of the influential BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel, for whom they recorded a celebrated session in 1983.

Breakthrough

The Redskins' breakthrough to a wider audience came in 1985 after signing to major label Decca Records. Their single "Bring It Down (This Insane Thing)" received significant airplay and reached number 68 on the UK Singles Chart. This led to prominent television appearances, including on the iconic music show "The Tube".

Their major-label debut album, "Neither Washington Nor Moscow", was released in 1986. While not a major commercial success, it was a critical triumph, perfectly capturing their fiery blend of punk attitude and brass-driven soul and is now regarded as a classic of its era.

Key tracks

Keep On Keepin' On! — This defiant, anthemic single is the band's most recognizable song and a perfect manifesto of their resilient socialist stance.

Bring It Down (This Insane Thing) — Their highest-charting single, this track's driving rhythm and powerful horns brought their sound to mainstream radio.

It Can Be Done — A cover of a Dean Parrish northern soul classic, this song exemplified their deep reverence for and connection to soul music's history.

Lean On Me — The opening track from their album, it immediately establishes their signature sound of passionate vocals over a tight, energetic rhythm section.

The band's career was intense but short-lived. They disbanded in 1986, shortly after the release of their only studio album. Chris Dean later became a respected music journalist, while other members continued in various musical projects. The Redskins' music remains a powerful snapshot of 1980s political youth culture. Fans of The Redskins' blend of fervent politics and danceable rhythms should also explore The Style Council, who merged soul and pop with a sharp social conscience. The Clash share the same foundational punk energy and political drive. The Beat offered a different but equally potent mix of ska, pop, and social commentary from the same era.

The Redskins' unique catalog maintains a steady rotation on specialist radio stations dedicated to post-punk, 80s alternative music, and politically charged rock. Their songs are staples on shows exploring the history of British protest music and the vibrant 1980s indie scene, resonating with new generations of listeners.

You can hear the powerful music of The Redskins on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their anthems and explore the stations that keep the spirit of politically charged soul-punk alive.