Customer Reviews

Us Against the Crown

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Chad "Chetro" Urmston (formerly of the uber-successful indie band Dispatch) is back on the with his new band State Radio and their first full length album. Filled, from beginning to end, with crunching guitars, bumping rhythm, and sweet vocals, 'Us Against The Crown' showcases the band's array of musical talents and influences from reggae all the way to hard rock. Evidence of the love for artists from Bob Marley to Rage Against The Machine can be found throughout the disc. The album is also politically charged with classic 'fight songs' showcasing the beliefs of the songwriter on a wide variety of affairs, including the war in Iraq. 'Camilo' is a song about a soldier who decided to not go back to war after being home on leave (which is based on true story). Some classic State Radio tracks show up on the album, with a new flavor and a fuller sound ('Gunship Politico', 'The Diner Song', and 'Calvado's Chopper'). Horns and reggae flair fill the speakers with bumping beats and funky guitar rhythms on 'Right Me Up' and 'Man In The Hall'. 'Riddle In Londontown' is a standout track, showcasing the songwriter's ability to adapt a song formerly played with his old band and make it new and different with his new one (the song, know just as 'Riddle', was played with Dispatch during the shows surrounding their final performance -- it appears on Dispatch's live album 'All Points Bulletin'). It seems as though Chad has settled into an excellent new place with his new band, pulling from his unique style that was just one third of an awesome band, and bringing it out in full force. You can rest assured that State Radio, on the heels of 'Us Against The Crown', is sure to have the same success as Dispatch, while starting down the road to a second incredible independent career.

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First, i must say that i am not one who often gives out 5 stars for a cd. The best thing that i can say about state radio is that they deliver an infectious vibe that will leave songs stuck in your head for days and days. Think of this music as the political activism of Rage Against the Machine, the reggae of Bob marley, and the cool music of dispatch. The blending of music yeilds many pleasing songs that are accessable by lovers of all genres.

I have shown this cd to many of my friends, and all of them have loved this cd and bought it withn days. Although Camilo, Mr. Larkin, and The Diner song all stand out for the infectious melodies that they deliver, each track offers something unique and different. The reggae feel to People to People is one to be enjoyed over and over again, and the slow pace of riddle in londontown is special in itself. The flow of this album is one that i cannot begin to describe. There is so mucah raw energy available here. Those that were fans of Dispatch, this is an interesting look at where the band might have ended up if they had continued playing together.

What i would suggest however is that if you are planning on buying the cd, that you buy it on itunes, which gives the buyer 4 bonus tracks, all of which are amazing.

This CD is great. I've been listening non-stop since I bought it. Chad definately was the reggae feel of Dispatch and it comes out on this CD. Also, the politically charged lyrics are much needed with the state of our democracy.

It took 'em long enough, but they finally came out with what I think is a pretty killer CD. Its alot more refined than their live sets, but I think the comparative clarity of the studio recording does State Radio justice.

State Radio's got a unique sound and a positive message that comes through clear in Us Against the Crown.

This was an excellent purchase.

If you like jamming Reggae/ Rock, State Radio is a great uplifting band to listen to. Their songs flow so smoothly. And the deep lyrics are very moving.

I love dispatch...one of my favorite bands of all time. State Radio is even better.

Amazing album from an amazing band. This album stayed in my cars cd player for quite awhile. Most songs are pretty political, but I think just about anyone could appreciate the music and the songwriting. I introduced a couple of my friends to State Radio and they immediately fell in love with them.

I heard these guys live in Chapel Hill last Friday. First of all, the CD doesn't compare to them live. Amazing live sound and jam feel when they're all together.
Their music is definitely something unique, and this album is well worth the money. It's like a more Reggae, punky version of the Dispatch. Go for it if you're into bands like Sublime, Dispatch, or the Mars Volta.

Chock full of reggae rock beats, politically relevant lyrics and memorable refrains my only question is why aren't more people listening to this band? "Camilo" enriches our wordly political perspective, "Mr. Larkin" heightens our personal perspective and "Love at Caesar's" is just plain fun. Listen to it once, listen to it twice, listen to it a thousand times. You'll hear something new every time.

Almost four stars, State Radio has a definitive Dispatch rythm and vibe but it lacks the creative impression that Dispatch listeners fell in love with. A few of the songs are very addicting and you will find yoursef listening to them over and over. Play the whole album through first and then listen to Riddle and Camilo again, you will not be disapointed.