Single Review
Radkey – Cat & Mouse EP
Radkey is a trio of teenage brothers from St. Joseph, Missouri in the American Midwest. Entirely self taught, they formed a punk band and are making waves on both sides of the Atlantic. The five track Cat and Mouse EP is their debut release, out on 15 July 2013 through Wreck Room as a digital download and also on vinyl, limited to 300 copies.
The three brothers are aged between 15 and 19. Dee Radke handles guitar and vocals, backed by Isaak Radke (bass and vocals) and Solomon Radke (drums). Their music is high energy and high impact, a sort of punk meets grunge that is flowing and exciting. There are great riffs aplenty and a solid rhythm section behind Isaak’s surprisingly deep and mature sounding vocals.
Lead track Cat & Mouse starts with a big riff before the rich vocals come in. The pace is fast and there is a good melody. It’s not all power; there is some subtlety too in the vocal delivery. And a nice guitar solo burst through over a great bass line. Out Here In My Head follows, building from frenetic drumming as the vocals soar over frenzied guitar in great style.
Pretty Things has an almost new wave sound, a melodic track with good vocal delivery and more great guitar work. The big chorus and massive chanted backing vocals are going to sound great played live. Red Letter is bass heavy and feels darker, telling of problems with a former lover.
The closing N.I.G.G.A. (Not OK) is an anti racist anthem that stems from the brothers’ own experiences of racism. The almost hardcore feel channels the obvious anger of the lyrics well and the message is clearly delivered in powerful fashion, with a massive shoutalong ending. It sounds like a set closer to me.
Radkey have a great deal going for them. They are young and full of potential, and clearly have a great deal to say. This debut release sets out their stall in fifteen frantic minutes as an exciting band with a big future.
Venue: Cat & Mouse EP
Support Band: Wreck Room