Rascal Reporters – Dux In A Row (áMARXE Records, 2024)
In 2019, Rascal Reporters released Redux, Vol. 1, featuring unfinished archival recordings from the 70s and 80s. These tracks were reworked by original member Steve Kretzmer and new member James Strain, who added additional instrumentation and overdubs. This was followed by Redux, Vol. 2: Rascals Revenge & The Great Reset in 2021.
The group released a new studio album, The Strainge Case of Steve, through Cuneiform Records on July 28, 2023. This marked their first album of new compositions since 2008’s The Mind Boggles and the first to feature compositions from Strain.
On November 3, 2023, a re-mixed and re-mastered compilation of the two “Redux” volumes was released digitally as Dux In A Row by áMARXE Records. This release was accompanied by a double-CD set that included both Dux In A Row and The Strainge Case of Steve.
Rascal Reporters are known for their bold mix of keyboard-fueled Canterbury scene influences (Think of Hatfield, Egg and the North or National Health), quirky time signatures, spoken word interjections, and improvisation. Formed in the mid-1970s by high school friends Steve Gore and Steve Kretzmer, the band produced avant-garde progressive rock for over 30 years from their basement studio in suburban Detroit. They released seven studio albums between 1980 and 2008. After Gore’s death in 2009, the band was reformed in 2017 by Kretzmer with new member Strain.
In reference to Dux In A Row, Steve Kretzmer reflected on the band’s history and their latest projects, highlighting the evolution of their music over nearly five decades. He noted the contributions of James Strain, whose musical dexterity has added significant depth to their sound. Kretzmer described “The Strainge Case of Steve” as a culmination of their experiences and growth as a band.
James Strain shared his experience of joining the Rascal Reporters and working on the “Redux” projects. He detailed the challenges and creative opportunities he encountered, which helped him develop the skills needed for creating new music with the band. Strain also discussed the process of compiling and re-mixing the “Redux” volumes into Dux In A Row, utilizing advanced audio technology to enhance the tracks. He expressed pride in presenting this collection as a representation of the band’s past, present, and future.
Musicians: Steve Kretzmer on piano, keyboards, synthesizer, organ, vocals, radio advertisement sound design & narration; James Strain on drums, 6-string bass, fretless bass, bass synth, keyboards, synthesizer, electric guitar, acoustic guitar; Steve Gore on keyboards / synth, vocals, electric guitar, drums, percussion, programming.
Guests: James McDermott on vocals; and Dario D’Alessandro on synthesizer.
Dux In A Row artwork (digital collage) created by James Strain using elements from the original painting for ‘Redux Vol. 2: Rascals Revenge and The Great Reset’ by Dario D’Alessandro.
Buy Dux In A Row.