State Radio - Let It Go
I ask myself how come I have not discovered State Radio until now. My introduction to them was a live version of "As with Gladness" off "Year of the Crow". I have deliberately stayed away from modern ska/reggae rock as a lot of it sounds contrived music. Poorly represented cocktails of reggae and rock. I happened upon State Radio and they immediately drew me into. I was pleasantly surprised.
Listening to this record, it feels like they don't have a single distinctive sound but more of a distinctive style of approaching music. They deliver immensely melodic passages of song using grunge, punk, post punk and reggae as guiding influences. The end result is music which is both emotional and edgy. They have managed to write some songs that hit the right nerves with Let It Go. With so much music available these days via the internet, repeated and detailed listening of albums is rare occurrence to many. If you are willing to give this a chance, this album may defy modern music listening norms.
State Radio is a three man Boston based band featuring singer/guitarist Chad Stokes Urmston, bassist Chuck Fay and drummer Mike Najarian. "Let It Go" is their fourth full length release. It was released in 2009 on Nettwerk Records. This record runs much in the same vein as their previous releases delivering political commentary with attitude. One thing that immediately that stands out with State Radio is their ability to play everything from heavy metal to roots reggae without losing their way in the songs. The songs on "Let It Go" fit seamlessly together next to each other. Stokes almost organic style of singing, has a large part to play in this. The ability to switch between punk, reggae, hard rock and crooning is really a special talent he as been gifted with.
The album kicks off with the rugged rock of “Mansin Humanity”. A misleading song which might have you thinking State Radio is one of the last remaining grunge bands on the planet. However, Stokes singing at the top of his lungs the middle chorus provides a glimpse of the diversity of this band. It is almost a 90s styled alternative track lying somewhere between Nirvana, The Lemonheads and U2. Much of this album features what could be classified as "weed smoking surfer reggae rock". Don't let that deter you if you not a into ganja and waves. "Calling All The Crows", "Bohemian Grove", "Indian Moon" and "Evolution" thread these same waters. These infectious roots reggae numbers are perfect soundtracks a late night beach bonfire party on some sunny isle or your backyard BBQ. Two good reggae inspired acts from New Zealand, “Katchafire” and “The Black Seeds” might spring to mind if you are familiar with them. "Calling All The Crows" even has a recorder in the vein of Augustus Pablo. "Doctor Ron the Actor" and "Knights of Bostonia" are ska punk tunes. However, "Knights of Bostonia" has a Celtic feel to much like New York band "Black 47". There is even a tinge of alt-country influence on the album in the form of "Blood Escaping Man". It really sounds like an early R.E.M track. "Held Up By The Wires", "Arsenic and Clover", "Let It Go" and "Still And Silent" are the straight out rock tracks on the album. The post punk styled Arsenic and Clover may just be my favourite track on the album. Stokes lyrical phrasing is pure bliss over music that fuses post punk with a heavy metal attitude. The title track "Let It Go" explores some of their a punk influences, ending up sounding like Gang of Four in some places. "Still and Silent" is their classic rock attempt with the big riffs and solos.
Much of this album may sound dated for 2009 but songs this good should easily stand the test of time.