Enemies Like This

Radio 4

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 16, 2006)
• Original Release Date: May 18, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Astralwerks
• ASIN: B000F1HGOW
• Also Available in: Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #83,118 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Numerous bands took inspiration from the Clash, P.I.L., and Gang of Four, and did something new and inspirational with that post-punk, herky-jerky rollercoaster anthemic style of funk bravado. Take Holland's the Ex, for example: over twenty years after starting as anarchist squatters railing against what sell-outs Gang of Four were, they're infusing their music with new textures borrowed from improvised and African music, and in many ways are more politically relevant than ever. On the other hand, New York-based Radio 4--whose name is borrowed from Public Image Limited and their sound a cleaned-up walk through of the greatest hits of the Clash and Gang of Four--fail to bring much that is new or interesting to their third album. It makes for decent-enough music to ogle pretty people in slanty haircuts out of the corner of your eyes to, while also trying to get the bartender's attention. But surely there are higher things to aspire to in music, especially when one rather clumsily apes music that was trying to make some sort of a difference. --Mike McGonigal

CMJ

"Radio 4’s best album…"

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Those who paint in familiar schemas only offend accsutomed tastes, August 3, 2006

A Kid's Review

Let's face it your punk NERDS- this is not mainstream music, and is not intended to be. These guys have no intention of selling out the Garden- but they would like to appeal to your taste- but perhaps the 'memory' is sweeter than what it actually is. To critique what these guys are doing is to critique what their critics claim they evoke. What we have here will later be seen as revisionist, and cannot be reduced to simple 'covers' of any particular bands 'sound.' These bands lit the torch and let it die away. Radio 4 is bringing the energy and message back. What I will critique is hearing such strong political comment in a Mitsubishi, Coca-cola or Budweiser ad. But, hey, every communist deserves to make a buck, right?

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great stuff, June 10, 2006

By	alexander laurence (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Radio 4 was always one of the better bands from NYC in the past few years. Maybe they were overlooked because they weren't trying so hard to look cool. The music speaks for itself. It's pretty damn good. This album sounds like their most full sounding record yet. There is a real maturity on this record. There are some jamming hits like "Enemies Like This" and "Too Much To Ask For." This album was influenced by the live show no doubt. Radio 4 has been on the road touring for almost two years non-stop. I saw them with the Libertines and Gang of Four. There are a few more electronic sounds and live performances. This album sound very diverse. Radio 4 have expanded the sound and haven't repeated themselves. They are really evolving the sound, and that includes a lot of diverse music.

5.0 out of 5 stars Post-Punk Dance Rock, July 25, 2009

By	Brian B - See all my reviews

Drawing their primary influence from The Clash, and Gang of Four, Enemies Like This packs enough political heat to draw return fire. Left-wing post-punk NYC anarchists Radio 4 are leading the first wave of the electro-clash dance movement. For those who were born to witness the real punk movement, this will likely come across as dull and trying to hard. But for those born now, this is as close as it gets to a homage and throwback to the day's of glorious rebellion. Adding a fresh dance-funk twist on the music, ELS is lighter and in fact approaching the sound with a different agenda - dance punk. Like fellow rockers of the genre !!!, The Faint, and Mercy Arms, they do not take themselves as seriously as you might believe. In their best moments they deliver a radically fast, catchy, loud, sound that is in your face up close and personal. Sometimes they may appear to polished and forced and less raw than their predecssor's but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. "Enemies Like This" is the standout on the album, threatening total musical anarchy through supercharged elektro riff rebellion. Machine gun drumming, guitar lines that cut through the atmosphere like blades, and "prepare for the revolution" like lyrics. Not since the punk movement in the 70's has music had this much of a bite. "All In Control" is another dance floor barn burner. Steaming with attitude and brashness, the song rides a sonic roller coaster of attitude. ELS delivers plenty of hooks, sharp drumming and a unique post-punk sound. Radio 4 is a band that may take some convincing, yet for those of you who cannot appreciate the plastic bubble gum of emo pop punk, this may come across as refreshingly authentic.