Indie band Radiation City knows how to rock and their new album “Synesthetica” is living proof of that. The band formed in 2009 and has previously released three albums, including their 2011 debut album “The Hand that Takes You”, as well as an EP titled “Cool Nightmare”. The Portland quintet—which includes two couples—will bring you to your feet and urge you to dance to every track on their album.

Starting off the album is “Oil Show”. The beat will invite you to dance and rock out to the upbeat rhythm. “Juicy” has a slower beat but still has the ability to grab your attention. “Butter” is as smooth as its title. This track is reminiscent of 80’s synth pop and makes you want to sing along with the singer. “Come and Go” is slightly energetic but has a laid back rhythm. This is a fun song to dance to and one that everyone can get into.

Are you ready to rock? If you are, then “Milky White” is the right song for you. This track is a cross between rhythm and blues and pop rock. “Sugar Broom” has a psychedelic rhythm and blues sound that you will want to keep on repeat on your iPod. This is definitely a track you will want on your playlist. “Separate” has an up-tempo melody that will appeal to fans of all musical genres. This should be a song you request the DJ to play at your next party.

“Futures” is a sunny track that you will want to sing along to. Last but not least, we have “Fancy Cherries”. That title is definitely a unique one, and the melody in this song is just as awesome. The softened vocals, guitar solo and slow drumbeats give this song an angelic theme. After listening to this, I wonder if there is an instrumental version of this song.

“Synesthetica” is meant to be enjoyed in a party setting with a large group of people. If you are looking for the best time ever, go get this album and turn the volume up to the highest possible decibel.

Final Grade: A

About The Author

Lauren Beverly

Music Reviewer

I love to write and have been doing so since the age of eight. Fictional stories have always been a favorite of mine, because it gives me a chance to be creative and to express myself in a multitude of ways. On more than one occasion, a song proved to be the inspiration to several stories I have written. Believe it or not, some of those songs were on soundtracks! That’s mostly what I listen to, aside from hits from the 1950’s up to the 1980’s. I’ve learned that anything can be the inspiration to a story, even a poster from the 1990’s or a DVD cover.

I’ve lived in Upper Marlboro all of my life and spent much of my childhood watching cartoons of all kinds, and listening to my older sister’s cassette tapes. Growing up, I listened to everything Jackson related, Paula Abdul, Elton John, and even the controversial group Milli Vanilli. As a teenager, I continued to listen to old-school hits and that was pretty much all I liked, aside from listening to all of Michael Jackson’s music. To this day, I still love old-school hits. That hasn’t changed.

I own a variety of CDs from artists such as Styx, The BeeGees, Michael Jackson, Queen, The Yellow Submarine Soundtrack, and many others. When a soundtrack comes out, there will always be one specific song from that album that I’ll love. It never fails.

I’ve graduated from Bowie State University in December 2013 with a B.A. degree in English.

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