It's a musical truth that the members of Sounds Under Radio know well. That contrast—between light and dark, guarded and vulnerable, specific and vague—this is what the songs on the band's debut album, Cinematica, are built upon.
Against a tidal wave of drums, bass and shag rug thick guitars, lyricist and frontman Lang Freeman laments a self-destructiveness threatening to unravel his life and the lives of those around him, and when he does, he rides that sonic wave to great effect as the band blisters through the various genres dotting today's mainstream rock landscape.
"I don't know who these Sounds Under Radio folk are trying to fool, but that is a big-time rock 'n' roll band masquerading as some unsigned indie-emo whatsits," is how Entertainment Weekly put it when the band's "Portrait of a Summer Thief" scored a spot on last year's Spiderman 3 soundtrack, the only track from a then-unsigned band to do so.
Now at the doorstep of their first major release, the Austin, Texas, band is stepping out of the shadows, and bringing its knack for dynamics and a penchant for building stadium sized rock landscapes to an even bigger stage. "That ever present element of contrast in our songs really illuminates the dexterity of the band," says bassist, keyboardist, and co-founder Bradley Oliver. "…it shows that we can express the music and the lyrics as two separate entities which also work together intimately as one really cohesive unit. It's really important for us to communicate through that mode of contrast—saying something that is very personal and intimate and almost too revealing atop a musical landscape that's aggressive, boastfully confident and driving."
Ultimately, Sounds Under Radio and their debut album Cinematica are a band and record of pictures; a mixture of light and dark, both equally important to creating and understanding the whole. Sounds Under Radio have found their niche in taking incredibly personal moments, surrounding them in beautiful chaos and creating a mirror in which everyone who listens can see a little bit of themselves.
It was my pleasure to help out last weekend...offer stands for this saturday too!!! Love my new sweatshirt....thanks Lang. You better play my song on Saturday or have my copy.....I'll hunt you down like the dingo you are!!!! xoxoxo
I visited your page a long time ago and I think I just assumed I added you! But don't worry, I'm a huge fan...why do you think I got to Bum's so early??? Let me know if you ever need anything!
Well, I had to tell you about this story... I was at a party and I put Sounds Under Radio on and everyone was like... "Who is that? That is some great music!"and I was the proud owner of the Cinematica CD that told them that it was my friend Doug's band. Seriously, Victoria and I have become one of your biggest marketing agents here in San Francisco. You're our favorite band! LOL I find myself listening to your CD on my iPod at the gym and in the car more and more... I can't get over how great the guitar work is Doug! Great song writing... Actually, the whole band really works well together... your singer is the shit too... Love his style. Sonny is awesome as always! The bassist kicks ass.
Really, really, really, proud of you Doug. Keep in touch. Hope the tour is going well. Call when you can.
Hey, guys! I started a video blog to talk about all of the things going on at My Charms for Charity. Take a look and let me know what you think. Thanks! ;) xoxo
hey guys....I was at the acoustic show in San Antonio...it was a great show...we loved it...hope we get to see you all again soon! Looking forward to your cd comin out! hug, Vicki Mothers Anthem San Antonio
