RADIO SUICIDE

Reviews

The ‘Rats were one of L.A.’s most guitarin’-est (is that a word? Fuck yeah, it is now) bands that brought the rock when it came to their live gigs. Very few of the rock-inspired punk bands did the deed right when it came to putting up or shutting the fuck up, and Los Rats put up time and time again. Unfortunately, the band splintered up in the early 2000s and this disc was the last thing the guys were to lay down in ‘02. Interestingly enough, there’s a helluva lot more influence and  texture on this post-release than their earlier rips ‘n roars that were found on the other records. But that isn’t at all bad; this album is actually really, really good. Very well done musically. Most punker types are gonna dismiss this as arena-inspired, super rock that has no place amongst the CD rack just to save face in front of their spiky-headed confidants. But if they threw this record on and really gave it a fair listen, they’d pick up subtle hints of the MC5, the Who, the Faces, Alice Cooper, Mott The Hoople, early-era KISS, and some ‘60s R&B that comes across pretty nicely. Oh, those influences aren’t “cool” enough for you? Then go eat a dick in the back of some stranger’s car while you hear the muffled sounds of the Eagles playing on the tape deck, you fucking closet hippie. –Designated Dale (Rankoutsiderrecords.com)

From MTV.com:

Timing clearly is not on the B-Movie Rats' side. Six years, two albums, and innumerable gigs into its career, 

the band recorded its third album, Radio Suicide, in 2002, but when the band split up mid-tour following the sessions, 

the completed album was never released. Unfortunately, their brand of proto-punk, heavily influenced by the usual suspects 

(the Dictators, the MC5, Rock N Roll Animal-era Lou Reed, New York Dolls, etc.), was the coin of the realm starting 

almost immediately after they split, thanks to the White Stripes and the whole garage rock and new punk revival. Ironically, 

now that they've re-formed and released their 2002 album, this style of music isn't particularly hot or au courant anymore. Eh, 

whadaya gonna do? Matters of fashion aside, Radio Suicide happens to be an absolutely stomping monster of an old-fashioned

 '70s rock album, branching out from the primal stomp of the above-mentioned bands to include more of an FM radio sound: the 

eight lengthy songs (only one under five minutes) mix up greasy boogie-rawk guitar riffs, occasional leaps into the classic metal 

falsetto from frontman Derek Christensen in on-the-road rockers like "Flat on My Face," and even a good old-fashioned 

power ballad in "Cold After Dark." Echoes of bands ranging from AC/DC, Blue Öyster Cult, and Kiss to Led Zeppelin and 

the Who flit through these songs, which rock convincingly and, crucially, non-ironically. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide

From Rich's Rant:

Finally! The long-awaited B-Movie Rats CD is out! Recorded way back in 2002, this album has languished 

since the band broke up later that year. Thankfully, they kept the faith, believed in the music, found a 

like-minded record label (run by ex-Lazy Cowgirls leader Pat Todd), patched up some grievances and with 

the release of this CD, they have even decided to play some shows again!

Aurally smacking you in the face right from the start is “Bad Rain in Texas”. Wow! Superb guitar tones, 

licks flying back and forth as Curt Florczak and Matt Lake trade off, Derek Christensen shows once again 

that he is one of the best r’n’r singers in L.A. and Bill Graves and Andy Baker show off bass and drum skills 

that prove how far these cats have come from their punk rock roots! Nice use of dynamics as they come 

down quietly and then blast back at you with insane power and energy.

“Flat on my Face” starts off like an AC/DC outtake that builds into a terrific rocker with a fantastic “rescue 

me from Motown” chorus. They pile this song with hooks and great background singing and just when you 

think that’s it, they throw in some more rockin’ guitar riffs just to take it even further!

The guys cool down with “Cold After Dark”, a nice 70’s-styled…well, not exactly a ballad, but a slow, moody, 

almost rootsy, almost bluesy tune. Graves intertwines his bass with the two guitars effectively and tastefully 

and, again, Derek’s singing really shines and shows his versatility. Really emotional guitar playing, as well. 

Both Curt & Matt are excellent throughout the record and while I thought their styles were pretty different 

when seeing them play live, they really blend and work together here as almost one package.

These two create an oddly dissonant riff for “Heaven” that is still catchy and they manage to find a cohesive 

and cool song with different parts that you probably would think shouldn’t work!

The title track is damn evil sounding and shows off more versatility by everyone. Again, truly original licks and 

clever guitar interplay and the band plays as a band – playing off of each other and each contributing to the 

whole. Pretty freakin’ cool!

“Simmer Down” explores more bluesy areas with some very nice slide playing. More slide guitar is highlighted in 

“Barcelona”, an ode to one of their favorite cities in Europe.

The closer is “Renegade”. Opening with a great guitar riff, building with an almost off-beat chord progression, 

it then explodes into a rockin’ number with group vocals, still more fine guitar work and tons of interesting 

changes. There’s another cool breakdown which blasts back in with an amazing scream ala “Won’t Get Fooled Again”.

Don’t expect hyper-speed punk rock like their first releases, but for those who love 70’s styled punk’n’roll, this is a must!

From Target.com:

Radio Suicide is the first new B-Movie Rats record after a five-year hiatus. With their roots in the 90's punk rock and roll scene,the band over time shed some of their earlier manic tendencies in favor of kick ass songwriting and arranging. The result: a fiery hard rock and roll roar displaying elements of 70's rock, early punk, glitter, metal, blues, country and whatever else the band ate for breakfast at the time. Singer Derek Christensen, guitarists Curt Florczak and Matt Lake, bassist Bill Graves and drummer Andy Baker deliver a classic record that gives a nod to the past while avoiding the pitfalls of retro. Rock on, indeed.