Beantown’s State Radio knows how to co-op
By GABRIELLE HARRADINE Special to the Daily Press
A schizophrenic time was had by all at the State Radio show at the House of Blues on Friday night. This Sublime-like Boston trio takes mixing styles even further — dabbling deep into blends of reggae and punk, heavy with the wa-wa peddle, and sprinkled with politically charged lyrics.
The drums, played by Mad Dog, were the force of the music, leading the way with manic tempo changes and flips from reggae beats to punk, although overall there was much more punk than reggae. It could have been tricky at times, having to put down your splif to bang your head. Not to mention watching out where the ashes fall.
The strong moments included sweet and poignant lyrics — Chad Stokes, the lead singer and guitarist, has an intriguingly gentle voice when used that way — as well as catchy and distinctive jams. Although, at times these riffs were cut off to go into something less melodic.
Rounding out the trio is Chuck Fey, State Radio’s bassist and harmonica player. Fey had a strong solo and a cool punkish presence with his short, strip mohawk and floating chops.
The night included a Sudan genocide shout out, which was followed by a song that crooned with reggae intonation: “Watch out for the politicals.” Obviously, these guys are taking the message to heart.
The tour, which moves on to Colorado this week, comes right before the release of their second album “Year of the Crow.” This 13-song disc produced by Tchad Blake, who has also produced Peter Gabriel and Pearl Jam, includes an anti-Halliburton ode entitled “Gang of Thieves”. You might consider buying a copy for Dick Cheney and sending it with love. “Guantanamo” is another track on the album, which comments on our current administration’s failings. A comparison to Rage Against the Machine cannot be avoided.
State Radio proved their abilities to rock the packed crowd and even got them singing on several songs. Stokes and Fey faced each other on numerous occasions to frame Mad Dog as they whipped out frenzied strums. This act felt like a summary of the band’s music: Respecting the drummer as king, and building off those beats to rock the world in both punk body and reggae mind.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 10, 2007. Read the original PDF.