Artist: Radkey
Album: Devil Fruit EP
Release Date: Out Now
Radkey may not be a name you’ve heard before but if you’re into your simple, old school punk rock they might be just the band for you. The latest EP from the Missouri brothers packs a punch with angry, well-sung lyrics – including a unsympathetic rant at the older generation in second track ‘Little Man‘. For a proper punk anthem, however, it could do with a little more ferocity in the vocals.
From there, ‘Start Freaking Out‘ begins with speeding drums and thudding bass, turning into a messy, thrashing track with all the punk attitude but not a distinguishable lyric in earshot. Verging on sloppy for those who prefer a cleaner sound, it’s not for everyone.
Opener ‘Romance Dawn‘, again, sounds totally different two the other two tracks, channelling sounds of Against Me! and classic rock influences. ‘Overwhelmed‘ is much of the same, sounding catchy enough but ultimately failing to make much of an impression. The songs themselves are great and the music is both raw and polished at the same time but the vocals just need a little more power behind them for it all to sound as brilliant as it could.
You almost wish Radkey would combine the EPs they’ve released to come up with a longer album, giving the listener more of a chance to get into their classic, simple punk sound. Although they probably won’t be rocking any festival crowds or filling any big venues any time soon, for those who are longing for something different in 2013’s sea of indie they are definitely worth an investigation.
7/10
Reviewer: Kathryn Black
