Radar Brothers - The Singing Hatchet
by Darrell Angus
published: 17 / 12 / 2001

Label:
Chemikal Underground
Format: CD
intro
In 1994, singer/guitarist Jim Putnam figured he'd had enough of playing wiith noise pop outfits 'Medicine' and 'Maids of Gravity' and decided to form 'The Radar Bros'. Along with bandmates Steve Goo
In 1994, singer/guitarist Jim Putnam figured he'd had enough of playing wiith noise pop outfits 'Medicine' and 'Maids of Gravity' and decided to form 'The Radar Bros'. Along with bandmates Steve Goodfriend and Senon Williams, the Bros have recorded sporadically(in Jim's 'Skylab' studio) over the last 5 years, releasing 2 EPs and 1 LP.1999 sees the release of their best work yet-a dreamy, fractured session entitled 'The Singing Hatchet'. Lazy hazy vocals and sparse instrumentation bring to mind Syd Barrett's solo work as well as 'After The Gold Rush' era Neil Young. Strummed acoustic guitar and low-key bass interact with minimal percussion, piano, and fuzzy guitar riffs for an almost confessional feel. Surreal lyrics give lessons straight from the heart and gorgeous harmonies make way for peaceful beauty in songs like "Shifty Lies" and "Five Miles". The band has a great feel for mixing the best of what the 60's and 70's had to offer with what its like living in the 90's. The Radar Bros will be permanently engraved on the hearts of all who hear 'The Singing Hatchet' and the songs will reverberate long after the album ends.
Track Listing:-
1 Tar The Roofs2 Shifty Lies
3 Shoveling Sons
4 All The Ghosts
5 Find The Hour
6 You're On An Island
7 The Pilgrim
8 You've Been Hired
9 To Be Free Again
10 Five Miles
11 Open Ocean Sailing
12 Gas Station Downs
reviews |
Surrounding Mountains (2002) |
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Sad, but ultra-satisfying "indie folk-rock" from Californian melancholists, the Radar Brothers |
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