Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

How do I define State Radio?  A first impression of Year of the Crow is one of a band suffering from an identity crisis.  The band was formed by former Dispatch member Chad Urmston, and while I expected something in that vein, I was completely unprepared for the plethora of musical styles employed on this politically charged album.  State Radio has given us thirteen tracks that range from insolent Rage Against The Machine style anarchy to to blithe, Bob Marley-esque reggae grooves.  Combined with a liberal political ideology and powerful song writing, we are left with an album that is polarizing yet powerful, distracting yet cohesive.

The shifts in style tend not to follow a logical flow, and they can be so jarring that it seems like some tracks were written by a completely separate band.  Regardless, the band executes their work with much aplomb.  At no point do the songs seem out of the control of the band, and their skill throughout is evident..  If you take each track on its own, you have songs with stunning lyrics, catchy melodies, and effective hooks which are appropriate for each track's respective style.  There isn't much showboating from the band, and no member shines above any other as they play their parts with confidence.  The music is made richer by the addition of various other instruments.  It isn't until you are listening to a track such as Omar Bay, and a fragile piano creeps in to amplify the mood, that the significance of these instruments becomes so apparent.  Other standout tracks include Guantanamo, Gang of Thieves, and Fall of the American Empire.  Each track is distinct in its style, and explores meaningful themes which should appeal to many in today's political climate.

While the execution is solid, Year of the Crow feels like the product of a band whose talent is greater than their output.  The album is never boring, but it also never pushes those boundaries that it constantly skirts.  There remains a few surprises, however,  be it their genre bending songs, or the inclusion of a new instrument such as a trombone near the end of a track.  Deep lyrics and precise songwriting leave little room for error, and it is simply the little irritants that keep Year of the Crow  from perfection. Still, this is an excellent rock album which should appeal to the college crowd, twenty-somethings, and any fan of political music such as Rage Against The Machine or Bad Religion.  Right wingers likely need not apply.