Red Penguin

Red Penguin is indie rock's answer to literacy - a bit smarter, a bit more cynical, and a bit catchier than your typical modern rock band. The group centers around the witty lyricism of frontman and keyboardist Levon Bryan backed by the unrelenting, complex guitar playing of Chris McGraw. Together with bassist Jeremy Strunk and drummer Michael Collins, the Alaskan rockers sound like a mix of nearly progressive Rush meets Queens of the Stone Age.

McGraw - who had already established himself as a guitarist with favorable reviews by nationally-syndicated 20th Century Guitar Magazine and local publication AK This Month - initially formed the band as a vehicle to perform his Pink Floyd'ish instrumental compositions and promote his album, "Photon Life." However, the group members quickly started writing new material featuring Bryan and Collins on vocal duties. The band became known locally for its impressive display of musicianship, recieving radio promotion and headlining local shows.

The band released a self-titled EP in September of 2006 featuring 8 tracks recorded and produced by McGraw at his home studio. Upon previewing the EP, local reviewer Josh Fryfogle wrote: "The guys in the band all respect virtuosity in musical skill, and complexity in concept. They don't shy away from taking their music to the next level, not content with playing three-chord, straight-forward rock songs, and it shows in their pending release," (The Frontiersman, 9/1/2006). The short-run EP sold out at shows and online, while the band continued to write and record new material, some of which they would later release as new free tracks to their expanding internet audience. The band's most recent demos, "Good Days," "Sheep," and "Pharmaceutical Esteem" showcase the growth of their playing dynamics and a more mature sound.

If you haven't heard them yet (and what are you waiting for?), Red Penguin's music is readily available on the internet via stores including iTunes, Napster, and CD Baby. For more information, pictures, videos and music, you can check out their official website at www.redpenguinband.com, or their MySpace at www.myspace.com/redpenguinband.