Radio kills the video star
In this, a time of political importance, as America is divided between those that love and hate Bush, those who make music are once again the defining figures whose voices can be heard by thousands. What the band says can and will affect the masses. Bands with strong opinions such as Killradio are powerful figures with powerful things to say, and in this case it undoubtedly should be listened to!
Killradio immediately make their feelings known as "A.M.E.R.I.K.A" begins and lead singer Brandon violently whispers "Do not think the power shall be you protection. Or that the crown will save your head" in a manner not unlike the late great Rage Against The Machine. The vocals have bite and grit and the overall feeling is one of youth without an apology! "Scavenger" bursts in with jagged guitars and a sudden barrage of ferocious guitars and aggression vocals. Soon discovered is a chorus which is beguiling and unruly in an amiable combination. "Do You Know" begins on a more solemn note with repetitive drums and discordant guitars allowing for Brandon's voice to caress through a perfect sea of melancholy anger.
"Pull Out" follows with a funky RATM-esque opening and continues with biting lyrics such as "I'm not gonna sit by the side of the road and watch brothers die." However, the strength found within the music of the previous tracks has here been traded for a more vocally-based achievement. "Entertained" opens with reverberating bass lines, preceded by edgy guitars which later dominate with a resounding riff as the band delivers their unique and strong brand of political rock. "Penis Envy", going by name alone, is a difficult song to decipher. Listening further the pivotal lyric appears to be "need a little bit more" which still leads me back to the questionable title. However, no matter what name it may go under, the song is a strong statement towards those that already have wealth and power yet still crave more than they need. This, in front of a tense background of decisive guitars, renders another song a success.
"Freedom" [Ed - "Wow, they really are continuing this Rage theme..."] is a more upbeat, swinging song with a chorus infused with swaying and rocky guitars. "Where We Go" is also on a lighter note, with a resounding drum intro and Brandon's voice adopting an almost Johnny Rotten quality. The chorus is more commercial but still retains its strong views and thorough lyrics. The more punk sounds of "Burning The Water Brown" are pleasing to the ear and Brandon's vocals transform once again to more of a commercial texture, with bits of a soft growl as he sings "burning the water brown and in it you will drown". "Ad Jam" reverts to the previous strong guitars and forceful voice that hammers home Killradio's political messages so you not only hear them but believe in them. We could have the new band to rival political activists such as Rage and The Clash on our hands.
"Classroom Blues", "Capitol Circle" and "Raised On Whipped Cream", the album's namesake, follow with the same enticing, memorable lyrics, guitar tunes and drum bashing to charm the masses. "Rebel" sounds like a funk track as it opens, and the mo-town flavour continues as it drips between bass infused verses and guitar-backed choruses telling the people to "rebel/you might as well". "Feeding The Rich" is the last hidden track, and is cleverly disguised by many empty tracks known as "False Ids". However, it is worth the find as the agonising vocals tear you apart and the song rips right through you with probably the most passion shown yet on the album.