“Rough Red is riddled with enough anomalies to arouse apoplexy in a psychoanalyst. On one hand, they’re your quintessential macho Oz band, with pointed Aussie accented folk/rock statements, and yet, paradoxically, they’re a well-kept secret at home compared to Europe. On the other hand, the band also has a SNAG side that’s expressed in genteel balladry with country sensibilities…with musical allusions as far apart as Dylan and Balkan gypsy music. The fact that all five members are singers and songwriters with musical outlets outside of Rough Red might account for the band’s wide range of references and material and its polished vocal harmony.” (Review of “Not Here For A Haircut”, Tony Hillier, Rhythms) 

“After listening to this enjoyable compilation, on which Rough Red displays an assured grasp of melody and top-notch songwriting chops, you will be inspired to catch this talented bunch of musicians live and to dip into their impressive back catalogue.” (Review of “Out of The Red”, Trad & Now Magazine) 

" Rough Red have an in-your-face approach to music-making, with the emphasis on putting on a good show.... the album also reiterates their capacity to write modern songs that draw on the folk tradition." (Tony Hillier, review of "Live in Europe" Rhythms) 

  "From playing in front of 20,000 screaming Germans in Nuremberg Square to scoring a top 5 hit on the country music charts, Rough Red have been there, done that…” (Review of “Live in Europe”, Time Off) 

"Exuding larrikin tradition, they have a healthy disregard for political correctness and a flair for social commentary. Extensive touring in Europe has also given them insights beyond Australia's shores. As their name suggests, Rough Red have a knockabout, robust approach to music-making, but they are also capable of considerable sensitivity." (Tony Hillier, review of “Uncorked” in Rhythms). 

"After American stars like Dave Dudley, Wanda Jackson, or Charley McCoy, the Australian band Rough Red was headlining the programme this time. There were songs to reward the close listener, and later, they had the party going. Overall a varied show, and I can't wait for them to come back" (Review in German country magazine NO FENCES of concert in Kassel, Germany) 

"The group's nonconformist style sets them apart from many other Australian bands on the international music scene. Rough Red have demonstrated around the world that quality music doesn't always come in a conventional package." (TNT Magazine, London) 

“We haven't heard much from Australian bands in the past few years but now all that has changed with some brilliant performances in Ireland from the down-under outfit Rough Red. They left their Dublin audience reeling. About as entertaining a line up as Crowded House meets Shane MacGowan." (Hot Press, Ireland) 

"If the Pogues met Weddings, Parties Anything in the strange netherworld of musical description, there would probably be either a massive piss-up or an all-in brawl. Or, the Brisbane band Rough Red would emerge solid, celtic, and dagnabbit funky with an emerald heart and a brawny Aussie exterior." (Drum Media (Sydney) 

"Solid Aussie folk roots but with a rock overlay and a contemporary sound ... the sound is fresh and innovative. This band is making today's folk music, documenting our society and providing a social commentary, albeit in a highly entertaining way." (Review of “Seeing Red” in Capital News, Australia) 

"One of the most exciting we have seen in recent years. The Rough Red sound is truly unique and their live performances in Denmark were stunning" (Peer Logsted Andersen, Programme Director, Skagen Music Festival, Denmark) 

“Rough Red are unlike any act we've ever seen in Ireland before. They have combined Celtic and R&B influences into their own brand of music, it's not folk, it's rock and roll. It was great to hear something new and their performance here was a highlight of this year’s Festival." (Tom Stapleton, Festival Director, International Folk & Blues Festival, Roscrea, Ireland) 

"John Fegan sings with a richness so pure and true to the genre that a listener’s mind may drift to the days of the folk-filled 1960s" (Review of “Better Red Than Dead”, Melbourne Herald) 

"Full bodied, warm, a little rough around the edges and guaranteed to ensure a good time ... exudes an energy and sheer wealth of talent that makes it impossible to ignore." (Review of “Better Red Than Dead”, Sydney Sun Herald) 

"The album has enough variety and entertainment to deservedly be called world class." (Review of "Better Red Than Dead", Sunshine Coast Daily Entertainer) 

“Rough Red combines the stridency of Redgum and nostalgia-evoking capabilities of Weddings Parties Anything with the sensibilities of Eric Bogle.” (review of “Not Here For A Haircut”, Weekend Australian) 

 “Festival gigs would perhaps dictate a certain number of up-tempo songs, but it’s deep, dark and melancholy that suits Rough Red best. Six albums in, Rough Red have no shortage of things to get off their collective chest.” (Review of “Not Here For A Haircut”, Noel Mengel, Courier Mail)