The Redwalls are an American rock band from Deerfield, Illinois, in suburban Chicago. In 2005, their retro sound drew comparisons to the Beatles and other British Invasion–era acts.

After initially disbanding in 2012, the group returned to recording activity in 2024. Founding member Justin Baren, bassist and vocalist, died in December 2025 at the age of 40.

The band's final performing lineup during their initial run consisted of vocalist and guitarist Logan Baren, bassist Justin Baren, and drummer Ben Greeno. Former members include lead guitarist Andrew Langer and a series of drummers; founding member Jordan Kozer played on debut album Universal Blues.

History

Formed in 2001 while still in high school, the Redwalls were originally a British Invasion–inspired cover band named the Pages, initially learning songs by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. They played their first show at the local jazz club Pops for Champagne. Soon after, they began writing original material and earned a regular booking at the local Evanston club Nevin's Live, with the venue's booking manager Mitchell Marlow, who eventually quit his post to manage the band full-time.

In 2007, The Redwalls finished recording material for a third album, however, the band was dropped from Capitol Records. They quickly signed with indie label MAD Dragon Records and their album The Redwalls was released on October 23, 2007. In addition, their song "Build a Bridge" was featured on an AT&T commercial. By 2008, the band embarked on a US tour, which culminated with performances on the Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on April 10, 2008. In the latter part of 2008, Ben Greeno left the group and was replaced by Rob Jensen. The Redwalls once again began touring in the UK, this time supporting the Zutons. However, lead guitarist Andrew Langer left the group to focus on other musical projects. Commenting on his decision to leave the band, he stated that "The Redwalls was our childhood dream. It was a fun and exciting experience for a while, but as my musical taste grew outside of that bubble, it became apparent that I wanted to move in a different direction". Session musician Duane Leinan joined the band in 2010 playing bass guitar.

The Redwalls released their debut UK single "Memories" on January 5, 2009. Shortly after, drummer Rob Jensen announced his departure from the group to focus on other musical projects. In regards to Jensen's departure, Justin stated through the band's MySpace:

Hiatus, disbandment, and later recordings

The band later disbanded in 2012. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Baren brothers recorded sessions at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool in 2012 that remained unreleased for years. and also formed the Sleeptalkers with the original Redwalls drummer Jordan Kozer. They self-released their debut album Back To Earth in 2009.

Justin Baren died on November 28, 2025, at the age of 40.

In a concert review, critic Jim DeRogatis wrote that the band's inspiration leaned toward the Beatles’ early, R&B-driven period, highlighting “proto-punk” energy alongside soul-, blues- and Motown-inflected rhythms, while also noting a visible Britpop influence in the group's harmonies. Houston Press similarly framed the band's appeal in terms of “good, old-fashioned… rock and roll,” emphasizing harmonies and classic-rock touchstones.

On their 2007 self-titled album, Chicago magazine noted a shift toward experimentation, describing the band as emerging from “garage rock revival” origins while incorporating electronic dance and psychedelic elements. In announcing the album's release, Glide described the band's approach as rooted in rhythm and blues and power pop, while presenting a “grittier” rock direction than earlier work. A Dallas Observer feature similarly discussed the band's blend of retro rock references with pop songwriting.

Discography

  • Universal Blues (2003)
  • De Nova (2005)
  • The Redwalls (2007)

EPs

  • The Wall to Wall Sessions (2007)

References

  • The Redwalls Bandcamp Page
  • The Redwalls Official Instagram Page
  • The Redwalls Official YouTube Page
  • NPR Interview with the Baren brothers