Scarlet is a Florida based Melodic Metal band which saw its conception back in 1983 when long time friends Jeff McDonald, Ronnie Lewis, and Mark Busto all came together to form the band. The 3 friends entered the studio in 1983 with Jeff on vocals/guitars, Ronnie on bass/vocals, and Mark on drums. They recorded their first demo track appropriately titled "Friends". This recording energized the band and helped to get the ball rolling. In 1984 they returned to the studio and recorded a second demo track titled "Stop Runnin". The song received some air time on a local radio station and later won a statewide songwriting contest. As a result, the band won 1000 dollars along with some much needed free studio time. The band took the money they had won and put it towards their studio project. That same year, "Stop Runnin" was submitted to MTV's "Basement Tapes" contest and went on to finish as a top 4 finalist. At this time, they added drummer-Kip Thompson to the line-up and performed at a number of local venues helping further build their fan base. In 1985 the band stepped back into the studio to record a pair of demo tracks titled "Armor" and "We're Gonna Rock". Right away, their song "We're Gonna Rock" began winning weekly listener voted contests as "King of the Mountain" for several consecutive weeks in a row. In 1986 the band decided to move in a heavier music direction and added drummer-Jimmy Moore to their roster. With a new skin pounder on board, they stepped back into the studios to record their demo track "I Declare war". Scarlet then added virtuoso guitarist-"Michael E Flake" who helped them obtain the heavier sound they were desiring. The band then hit the road performing in theaters and clubs through out central Florida. After a season of touring, Scarlet darkened the doors of the studio one last time to record their demo tracks "Lisa" and "Right Reason". These two songs would prove to be some of the band's better recordings. Then in 1988, the band had reached a turning point and it was at this time that the group disbanded with all members going their separate ways. With a career that spanned from 1983-1988, Scarlet had a solid five year run and were responsible for the production of nine demo singles.
In 2010, to the delight of Classic Rock fans, FnA Records came to the rescue and was able to acquire the band's original hard to find demo recordings. FnA compiled all nine of Scarlet's unpublished demo tracks creating a full-length collection album of the band's work. The tracklist for this re-issue includes 1.Right Reason 2.Lisa 3.Stop Runnin' 4.We're Gonna Rock 5.Armor 6.I Declare War 7.Treasure 8.Beginning 9.Friends.
Some tracks that stand out on this 2010 demo collection include track-1 "Right Reason", track-2 "Lisa", track-3 "Stop Runnin", track-4 "We're Gonna Rock", track-5 "Armor", and track-6 "I Declare War".
With their big hair glam style look, it's easy to discern that bands like Stryper played a big part in influencing Scarlet members. However, it didn't just stop with their similar look but continued in their song writing & arrangements. "Right Reason" is one of the more notable tracks that seems to have been influenced by a certain yellow & black striped band's early albums in that its lyrical direction has a similar structure to that of Stryper's lyrical style.
Some tracks that stand out on this 2010 demo collection include track-1 "Right Reason", track-2 "Lisa", track-3 "Stop Runnin", track-4 "We're Gonna Rock", track-5 "Armor", and track-6 "I Declare War".
With their big hair glam style look, it's easy to discern that bands like Stryper played a big part in influencing Scarlet members. However, it didn't just stop with their similar look but continued in their song writing & arrangements. "Right Reason" is one of the more notable tracks that seems to have been influenced by a certain yellow & black striped band's early albums in that its lyrical direction has a similar structure to that of Stryper's lyrical style.
"Right Reason"
Christ is the reason that is why we sing
if you know His name
Call now on His love and the joy He'll bring
Never be the same
Come on we're rockin' for
The right reason
The right reason
"Stop Runnin"
Where you headed now
Always runnin' some how...
...Like a thief in the night
We'll be taken away
Always nipping for love
It's what your dreamin' of
It can come from above
It can come today
Make a change in your heart
Take a brand new start
Just by playing your part
And don't run away!
"We're Gonna Rock"
We're gonna rock
Never gonna stop
We're gonna rock
Never gonna stop
Rock for the Rock one way!
Jesus is the Rock that we're talkin' about
Believe in your heart and have no doubt
Then you'll know why we sing and shout
If you believe in Him
"Armor"
Every day before we go, there is one thing
One thing we must do
Put on the full armor of God
So we can stand for what is true
Be strong and courageous
Do not be terrified
Do not be, be discouraged
The lord your God is on your side
"I Declare War"
For our struggle is not with flesh and blood
But dark powers and forces of evil
Just look to Jesus
He always sees us
You can overcome with the blood of the Lamb
I declare war!
Ooh! on the enemy
I declare war!
Ooh! Satan flee
I declare war!
Christ is the reason that is why we sing
if you know His name
Call now on His love and the joy He'll bring
Never be the same
Come on we're rockin' for
The right reason
The right reason
"Stop Runnin"
Where you headed now
Always runnin' some how...
...Like a thief in the night
We'll be taken away
Always nipping for love
It's what your dreamin' of
It can come from above
It can come today
Make a change in your heart
Take a brand new start
Just by playing your part
And don't run away!
"We're Gonna Rock"
We're gonna rock
Never gonna stop
We're gonna rock
Never gonna stop
Rock for the Rock one way!
Jesus is the Rock that we're talkin' about
Believe in your heart and have no doubt
Then you'll know why we sing and shout
If you believe in Him
"Armor"
Every day before we go, there is one thing
One thing we must do
Put on the full armor of God
So we can stand for what is true
Be strong and courageous
Do not be terrified
Do not be, be discouraged
The lord your God is on your side
"I Declare War"
For our struggle is not with flesh and blood
But dark powers and forces of evil
Just look to Jesus
He always sees us
You can overcome with the blood of the Lamb
I declare war!
Ooh! on the enemy
I declare war!
Ooh! Satan flee
I declare war!
Scarlet is for fans of Classic Rock bands like Servant, Daniel Band, Sentry, Revelation, Neon Cross, and Lazarus. If you are looking for some Classic Rock to add to your collection then look no further than Scarlet's 2010 demo self-titled release. Help support Christian Rock music by picking up and securing your copy today!
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Jeff McDonald - Vocals & Guitars
Ronnie Lewis - Bass & Vocals
Mark Busto(Studio Drummer) - Drums
Additional Musicians:
Kip Thompson - Drums
Michael Flake - Guitars
Darla Bernath - Vocals & Piano
Jimmy Moore - Drums
Jeff McDonald - Vocals & Guitars
Ronnie Lewis - Bass & Vocals
Mark Busto(Studio Drummer) - Drums
Additional Musicians:
Kip Thompson - Drums
Michael Flake - Guitars
Darla Bernath - Vocals & Piano
Jimmy Moore - Drums