Red Stars Theory

by Heather PharesRed Stars Theory's core members are guitarist/vocalist James Bertram of 764-Hero and drummer Jeremiah Green, who played with Modest Mouse for a time. Much like their other two bands, the Washington State natives combined driving guitars and passionate vocals into cathartic indie-rock, but as their 1997 debut But Sleep Came Slowly showed, the group also added long, moody passages to their songs that evoked slow-core groups like Codeine as well as orchestral arrangement. The group's Touch & Go debut, 1999's Life In A Bubble Can Be Beautiful, featured a softer, gentler version of the band's emotive sound and guest performances from indie stars like Lois Maffeo. Their self-titled sophomore effort followed a year later.