The Radio Makers - 2023 - Lucky Stars [Got My Radio]

(40:21; The Radio Makers)

Track list:
1. Edible Hearts 3:42
2. Echoes 3:44
3. Jo-Jo 4:56
4. Song for Rainy Afternoons 3:54
5. Girl Who Looks Like You 4:37
6. I'm a Poseur 3:23
7. Lucky Stars 4:37
8. Where Have All the Flowers Gone? 4:05
9. I'm a Tribute (To Me) 2:53
10. Talk About You 4:30

Line-up:
Andy Maddison - vocals, guitars
Ian McKenna - guitars, vocals
BG Mulcahy-Bowman - bass, keyboards, vocals
Keith McKenna - drums, percussion
with:
Mike Pick - drums, percussion
Steve Evansson - keyboards, vocals


UK band The Radio Makers have been a feature in the UK music scene for a good handful of years, with Bristol as their base of operations. Following a number of years honing their craft on stage and presumably in the rehearsal studio, the band are now out with their debut album. This creation is called "Lucky Stars [Got My Radio]", and was self-released by the band.

The self-description of The Radio Makers place them inside of a power pop context with a little bit of a stated glam rock influence. While I see where they are going with this, but for potentially new listeners my impression is that other descriptions will be more suitable to use. And in more general terms I'd probably describe this band as operating inside more of an indie or alternative context, with references to both traditions being present in the landscapes explored.

In terms of lead vocals and backing vocals there is a rather distinct English feel to this band, and one where glam and the 70's certainly comes to mind. The hooks and some of the rhythm details also point in a similar direction, with a bit of a pop music swagger and a radio friendly attitude being defining traits in the majority of the songs here.

For my sake I do find that many of the songs also contain a little bit of a post-punk swagger and attitude, with a little bit of a new wave tinge appearing at times too. In some cases with a little bit of a Blondie feel to the landscapes explored, on other occasions with references to early days Gary Numan, but also with a possible tip of the hat in the direction of a band like Wall of Voodoo. I also note a little bit of a garage rock presence at times, and some cues here and there with possible references back to both 60's rock and 50's rock n roll. That we have one song that comes with a little bit of an art rock seasoning merits a mention too, and the concluding orchestral inspired ballad is a solid step to the left that expands the boundaries explored and makes for an appropriate calm conclusion to an otherwise more energetic experience.

All in all I find this to be a compelling album, where the songs by and large come across as solid affairs that manage to balance out having a radio friendly and catchy swagger with some nifty and engaging details that will engage listeners that require music with more depth. With the song 'Echoes' being the song that I find to be the most accomplished of the creations here. If music that exist on the borders between indie and alternative rock and incorporate new wave and post-punk elements sounds generally interesting, and music that explore these characteristics inside of a radio friendly context intrigue you, my opinion is that the chances are good for you to find this to be quite the enjoyable album.

Olav M. Björnsen, August 2023

Links:
http://www.theradiomakers.co.uk/