Get to Know: Radar Eyes

Many years ago I lived in Chicago, but I've spend much of the intervening years ignoring its music scene. I'm being roused from my neglect of late, because it seems that the city of big shoulders has a good indie label or two, and a number of interesting bands. One of those bands is psychedelic/garage outfit Radar Eyes. Radar Eyes consists of Anthony on guitar and vocals, Shelly on drums, Lucas on bass, Nathan on guitar and Russ on guitar and organ. They are releasing an LP on Chicago's HoZac Records early in 2012, but you can get a taste of their sound on this previously released single below. I think you'll understand why I'm expecting the LP to be a Rocksteady74 favorite next year.




Radar Eyes also released a two track 7", Miracle on HoZac Records last month. A site at which you can stream both tracks is here. You won't regret listening.

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REVIEW: Heavy Times - Jacker

You know what it's like when you are finishing the last drink before bed on a quiet night, and you wish that you could squeeze the glass to get few more swallows? Well, that's the way I felt when I finished my first listen to Jacker from Chicago's Heavy Times. I wanted to squeeze another song or two from the player. It isn't that the album is ungenerous, there are 12 tracks. But they are short songs anyway and I really, really didn't want the album to end.

Here is a live version of one of my favorite tracks from the album: "Skull Hair".

031 Heavy Times from Kyle Obriot on Vimeo.

Heavy Times are Bo Hansen, Matt Jacker, Mathew Horde, Luca Cimirusti. Their sound isn't easy to classify. It has the speed, aggression, and noise of punk and garage, but the guitar sound is has a dense fuzz and the guys can wring out convincing rock solos on top of the three chords. Moreover, the songs have engaging vocal hooks. Whatever one wants to call it, it is a winning recipe.

Jacker is Heavy Times second LP. It was released in late October by HoZac Records. If you like garage/punk pop with a heavy side of fuzz and vocal hooks, this album is just what you're looking for. (It's going on my workout playlist)


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Garage Rock Thursday: Hozac Records Sampler

For your listening pleasure today, we bring you the sampler from Hozac Records, the self-described "Trojan Horse of rock and roll". Hozac Records is a Chicago label, founded in 2006, that has an interesting stable of garage/fuzz rock oriented bands, including the wonderful Wax Idols whose debut release we reviewed a couple of weeks ago (I'm still playing that one regularly, are you?). Hozac has LPs and singles, and the really great thing is that you can hear songs below and decide whether you like them. And if indecision strikes, just buy the sampler; life is good. Enjoy!

Fall 2011 by HOZAC RECORDS

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