From many, they are one (E pluribus unum)
Radar State is composed of members from other successful bands in the Lawrence and Kansas City areas. So, in a way, they are like a lesser known supergroup. Radar State does an excellent job of blending their influences on this 2000s alternative pop-punk style record. Anybody who is a fan of the Goo Goo Dolls will enjoy this album.
“Damn the Man” is a diverse track featuring dynamic pause breaks and a unique bridge that slows down to show off some interesting guitar effects. It is a nice break from the more straight-forward approach they usually implement. The use of a simplistic distortion may seem like a small addition to the track, but this little touch is what makes this track stand out from the rest. The way each instrument comes in one at a time for the intro is really profound. Hearing each part one at a time allows the listener to appreciate each part individually first before it all comes together. Each part is strategically used to make an interwoven piece of music. Parts will drop in and out at their leisure to make the song work as Radar State sees fit. Adding in claps at 1:31 as the bass drops out shows how even when stripped down, the rhythm is still strong enough to remain catchy. At 2:06 the song almost comes to a complete halt with minimal drums and a nifty tremolo and wah effect. It doesn’t stay there too long before it builds back up.
“Victims of Fashion” lyrically talks about getting old and getting tired of the rat race that comes with being in a band. Dealing with the politics of any local scene can get tiring. The next generation of scene kids is replacing the older scene kids. This makes the older scene kids feel out of place as result.
“…This whole scene is getting old; we moved on while they’re on hold
If we don’t go out tonight, we might as well just stay outta sight
Kids in line will gladly take our place
… I’m not taking orders from someone half my age
…I think its time we dropped out of this race.”
Knowing how the band members all are involved in various other bands, these lyrics reveal the band’s attitude towards their local scene and frustrations that come with being involved for as long as they have. Even though they have moved on to tour in other cities, returning home just to find it’s the same old drama has led them to disregard the idea of impressing the ol’ hometown crowd. They have learned to make music for themselves rather than their scene.
Overall, the drums are tight and diverse enough to give each track a unique feel. The guitars do a good job of complementing each other in this fast-paced and light-hearted album. Even though there isn’t much diversity in guitar effects or mixing tricks, Strays is an honest and straight forward album that demonstrates how well this group cooperates with each other as a collective, despite coming from various other bands. Both singers were able to set aside their ego and share the spotlight and come together to form a single band with a single voice.
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