Review Summary: A pleasure in the limits of a sin. Deaf Radio’s ‘Alarm’’ is a lustful road trip.
The underground music scene in Greece is boiling and is providing us with great moments. In fact this appears to be a trend in all things art related and I am increasingly impressed by the results.
First heard by myself in January last year, their debut ‘Alarm’ sounded like a bomb going off in my ears. It has been a long time since I have heard such pithy and sexy Stoner Rock. Right from the porno list, they are Deaf Radio.
At first listen, making a connection with the Queens of the Stone Age is inevitable. However, after hearing in more detail, I’m telling you, those Athenians are definately not yet another clone of Josh Homme’s project. It’s hard enough these days to hear something original, let alone something that inspires new musical impulses but these guys really hit the nail on the head.
The opening track ‘Aggravation’ is what I like to call introductory summoning to Deaf Radio’s world. It greets you filled with energy and catchy riffs combined with hard to break but perfectly legit vocals. ‘Backseats’ and ‘Vultures & Killers’ with their fuzzy and earthly sound make me want to step into my car and drive down the whole Greek coast, capturing all of the essence as I do. Yeah, the desert is a little bit far from here, but it’ll do. We calm down and make love with ‘Anytime’ and then ‘Flowerhead’ makes a timely appearance. Although it’s probably the most QOTSA influenced track, its heaviness hits you straight in the brain and builds the coolest vibe of the album.
‘Revolving Doors’ and ‘Trapped’ take a different direction. It’s just those guys enjoying what they’re doing. They tie all of the influences in their sound to bring about a totally new atmosphere. ‘Oceanic Feeling’ is the returning trip home with a dose of melancholia and nostalgia associated with a journey coming to an end. Just before the alarm rings out, they get deeper with their sound and that’s promising for the listener. ‘…And We Just Pressed the Alarm Button’ ends our joy with a beautiful fading way telling us that it is time to wake up.
Bands are not always making innovations, but we can find other ways to keep the fire burning and that’s the exact pleasure Deaf Radio generously give on this record. Those simple but loud riffs, pulling out your most sexual instincts in the form that is Stoner Rock. Simple, beautiful and free.
