The appeal of a modern, on the rise indie band like Jukebox the Ghost is simple: They write catchy songs. On top of that, they’re dynamic, skilled musicians. The band’s records are carefully structured, yet wildly diverse affairs. And the live show? Energetic, crowd-pleasing, cathartic.
Originally formed during college in Washington D.C., Jukebox the Ghost (the name’s an amalgam of Captain Beefheart and Nabakov references) won accolades for that first record, Let Live and Let Ghosts, which Spin called “a refreshing reminder that the lighthearted electricity of a fantastic pop song is still filled with live wires.” The band – Thornewill, Siegel and drummer Jesse Kristin – jelled quickly, despite their disparate musical backgrounds in everything from classical piano to prog to indie to 80s Brit-pop. Collectively, the group delivered an unabashedly upbeat, playful sound with a sly dark streak (see: the aforementioned apocalyptic lyrics).
JTG’s pop sensibility is still on display on the new record, but now rounded out with more emotional heft and an expanded musical palate. For starters, there’s an emergence of synths, most notably on the Phoenix-like opener “Schizophrenia.” (Says Thornewill: “I was such a classical pianist for a long time that I was sort of against using them…and then I started fooling around and realized how much they could open up our sound.”). Elsewhere, the album veers through gorgeous AM radio throwbacks (“The Summer Sun”), Beatles-esque twists and turns (“Mistletoe”) and even a little prog-rock in “The Sun,” “The Sun (Interlude)” and “The Stars,” a three-part “philosophical/cosmological pondering” by Siegel that’s actually quite…dance-able.
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"We used to call what he does math rock, but that’s not quite adequate to cover all the weird jazz elements the latest lineup of the band brings in, or the way he and the band tease listeners with bits of surprisingly poppy melody before yanking out the rug." - Joe Tangari / Pitchfork Media
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“Rock” and “Indie” are two of the most ambiguous terms in music classification; however, until you take a listen to Radio the Captain’s music or check out one of their shows to draw your own conclusions, then “Rock” and “Indie” will have to do. Radio the Captain has been writing music since the summer of 2010. Comprised of former members of the heavy rock band After the Fray, guitarist Logan Boyd and bassist/vocalist Dustin Taylor sought a new musical direction, one that still incorporated raw emotion and energy yet instead of double bass blasts and heavy breakdowns they wanted more guitar delays and melodic driven bass riffs. The halls of Georgia State University provided the two with a drummer as Logan found Jeff Hawkins via a flyer Jeff had posted about his desire to connect with other musicians. Completing the lineup with drums and bringing his lyrical ideas to the table, Radio the Captain had the material and pieces they needed to get started.
From Atlanta, Radio the Captain does not seek to fit any “mold” except those which are self-imposed. While outside influences are perpetually pouring in, the band is not interested in changing its image or style simply to impress others. With most of the latter half of 2010 spent writing and constructing songs, 2011 looks to be a year of playing shows and expanding their fan base. Knowing the vast amounts of great music out there and the busy schedules of its peers, Radio the Captain is grateful to everyone who takes the time to check out their music or attend a show. They cannot promise that you will love their music, but Logan, Dustin and Jeff can guarantee that by taking time to give their band a chance, you mean a lot to them.
Radio The Captain
$10, 18+
Doors @ 8 pm, first act performing at 8:30 pm
Advance tickets available @ Ticket Alternative, Criminal Records,
Decatur CD, Fantasyland Records and the following CD Warehouse locations: Buford, Duluth, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville and Roswell.
Jukebox the Ghost...Great guys who support a great cause. Smile Train Music . Check out how much they help kids from all around the planet who need cleft lip and palate surgery. These guys should be thanked for all the good work they are doing!
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