Radar Brothers
Eight
2.5 stars
Pop rock
Radar Brothers’ eighth album, appropriately titled Eight, throws every twisted jigsaw piece out on the table for the listeners to piece together. The album reflects the band’s expansion to six members with varying instrumental styles and no sure direction.
The first sign of competing modes is in the second track, “Reflections.” Strong guitar strums and clap-like drums set the stage for a pop rock melody. But when the dragging, softer vocals typical of indie rock join in, the upbeat mood instantly deteriorates. The vocals and instruments don’t quite match up and it’s not clear what sort of effect is intended.
“Disappearer” may be the lone stand out on the record. During the first minute, it’s comparable to the other tracks. But then the chorus appears with a building piano chord progression and vocals to create an emotional catharsis reaching out for a sign.
The piano mostly takes the lead throughout, setting the atmosphere and delivering messages. In “Ebony Bow” the piano dominates with soothing constant chords. But yet again the mood is disrupted. Soon the pounding chords become intentionally off-key to add interest and convey a disruption. While at many times successful, the off-key chords sometimes just hurt the ears and the complexity is lost.
With all the trappings that make an album inviting such as insightful lyrics and bold risks that yield odd yet delightful results, Eight still can’t shake the predictable guitar melodies, vapid vocals and those risks that just don’t pay off.
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