Kevin Bronson on May 19th, 2021

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Who are the Red Locusts?

The new band, which has an album coming out May 25 via L.A.’s Lolipop Records, is playing it coy. The label’s press release has more doctored spin than a pair of princes, but this we know:

— The single “Another Bad Day for Cupid,” whose video animated by Joe Garber premieres here, is exemplary of their sublime ’60s guitar pop, for fans of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Jellyfish, Fountains Of Wayne, ELO, Big Star, the Move, the Raspberries, etc.

— Even though the Red Locusts sound like Rick Springfield, look something like Rick Springfield and even have his endorsement, they take a swipe at the classic rock legend in their introductory press blast. That’s some General Hospital-level drama.

For what it’s worth, the band’s members are listed as singer-guitarist Paul Ramone, bassist Scotty Skuffleton, drummer Skippy Skuffleton, keyboardist Duncan Sweets and guitarist Beau Weevil.

Says Ramone: “We’ve been accused of ripping off everyone from the Beatles to Rivers Cuomo and frankly, who gives a toss. I come from the actual birthplace of modern power pop, Brooklyn! The Red Locusts are simply writing and recording what we’re into … great rock ’n’ roll.”

“Exactly,” Scotty Skuffleton says. “I’m happy people compare Paul’s vocals to Rick Springfield but frankly, Rick couldn’t hold Paul’s jock strap in the studio or on the stage.”

Adds Skippy Skuffleton: “At the end of the day, who cares about who is in this band? Who cares that Paul Ramone is an insufferable jerk? Who cares if Ringo Starr didn’t like what I played for him? Morrissey and Liam Gallagher love us and that is all that matters!”

For his part, Springfield talked to Forbes about his recent exploits in March. There, rum was involved.

||| Watch: The video for “Another Bad Day With Cupid”