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The Radio Dept. - Heaven's On Fire
Published:
Feb 15, 2011
Total plays:
9,278
Saved:
42 times
Sounds like: Junior Boys, Caribou, Maps
Why do we like this?
"One look at you, and heaven's on fire." With such bona fide lyrics as these, it's no wonder The Radio Department's still on fire. The singles compilation Passive Aggressive released last month is a definite musical triumph, yet comes with surprising timing since the band seems to work in years between releases as opposed to months. April 2010 saw the band release Clinging To A Scheme, a 10-track indie-pop love affair.

With timelessly smooth, welcoming arrangements, The Radio Department once again lures the listener in and turns people into instant fans with light, assuring confidence. Passive Aggressive reminds us of simpler times - the sipping of lemonade, endless summers, sky-high swings, and first boyfriends.

The band began in 1995 in Lund, Sweden, taking on the name Radioavdelningen which (not surprisingly) translates to The Radio Dept. In 2001 they signed with Labrador Records and haven't stopped since. The band has seen a multitude of members over the 15-year history of the group, but this has not seemed to derail their success. No one can argue that this release isn't anything but sentimental and spectacular, one for our generation to show the next while yearning for past youth on a hot summer's day.

The Swedish pop group has managed to master a sound that is reachable to pretty much any audience, with soft vocals traversing buoyant guitar and piquant drums on every track. They are described as being a part of the shoegaze genre, named after subtle stage presence insinuating that the musicians are staring at their shoes. But the last thing I want to do is look at my shoes while listening to this band! Given the chance, I'd put them in the non-succinct genre of "chill out with a margarita on a hot summer day at the dock" and call it a day.

If you are unfamiliar with the band, go get a copy of Passive Aggressive and educate your heart out. The two discs offer singles from all of their albums and EPs, plus some added bonuses. No doubt you will be impressed, and look forward to the future sounds from The Radio Department.

For a free acoustic version of "Heaven's On Fire" check out their official band site.
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