Tag: The Radio Field

UniBoys and The Radio Field

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Uni Boys

Uni Boys “Buy This Now”

Since their debut last year, the Uni-Boys have been a leader among bands that reference vintage late-70s power pop, and Buy This Now! refines their sound. The Uni Boys’ new material was recorded with Michael and Brian D’Addario, aka The Lemon Twigs, themselves masters of analog production. Despite drawing inspiration from bands like Big Star, Milk ‘N’ Cookies, and The Beat, The Uni Boys manage to strike a nice balance between solid songcraft and the raw attitude of much older rock ‘n’ roll.

Leading off is the catchy gem “Let’s Watch a Movie,” a celebration of doing nothing but chillin’ in front of the TV after a long day of work with handclaps and Beach Boys harmonies. The simple organ riff in “Down to the City” and the surf-style bass hook in “Hiding in My Home” are the pinnacle of the Uni Boys’ dedication to staying in bed and eating takeout food naked. The intermingled background harmonies and understated lead are what allow this band to level up. All the songs sound deceptively simple but are meticulously constructed. Highlights include “I Don’t Believe In Love,” “I’m Alright,” and the jangling “Intentions.” In fact, there is not a single dud here, and Buy This Now! showcases their particular style of power pop perfectly and makes my top ten list this year. Highly recommended.

Amazon


The Radio Field

The Radio Field “Don’ts and Dos”

German jangle pop band The Radio Field delivers a crisp, bright sound that is sure to warm your heart. Lead singer Lars Schmidt from indie German pop band Subterfuge had a desire to get his “indie-pop mojo” back, and he succeeded here in spades.

Starting with the lead single “Clover,” which, along with “Sick and Tired,” “Years Ago,” and “Love,” demonstrates his skillfully crafted and coiffed jangle, with smooth vocals and style reminiscent of the late 1980s. “Disorder” and “She Needs Therapy” have some dreamy fuzz guitar to keep things from getting too light. “The Version” featuring Robert Stadlober adds bright horns to the mix, and it’s one of the album’s finest moments. This style is also in the album’s closer, “Love,” with a simple country rhythm that calmly sends us out with the message, “Life is a wonderful thing.” Don’ts And Dos is a delight to listen to because of the care and precision with which it was composed and performed. Highly recommended.

Amazon

Mid-July fireworks: Steve Conte, Andy Partridge, Scott Gagner, Nick Frater, The Goods, The Radio Field, Fallon Cush, Clone

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Steve Conte and Andy Partridge delivered a sweet firework last week, “Fourth of July” and it’s a terrific rocker (cool video too!) Speaking of duos, who can withstand the combined might of power poppers Scott Gagner & Nick Frater? Not me, as “Never Could See Any Other Way” recorded in Abby Road Studios, has that Beatlesque spirit in advance of Gagner’s upcoming album.


On to the EPs, and I was very impressed with a new band called The Goods. Self-produced in the band’s own studio in Oakland, CA, by Rob Good its awesome hooks and guitar riffs are what I look for. German band The Radio Field has a sweet jangle, and “ooh-la-la” backing vocals from Robert Stadlober. It’s been a few years since I’ve heard some new Fallon Cush, as “Grain of Salt” is a contemplative bit of roots pop. I love Glam, and Clone knows Glam with a solid female lead in Juniper Watters on “Queen.” A great freebie this month, as RumBar Records gives you some Swagger – a 35-track sampler of loud rock and roll. Cheers!