Capital Radio

Hey! Heard any good bands lately? If not, I’ve got one or you – perhaps Southern California’s best kept secret, Capital Radio. For me, one of the most unique things about this band is their ability to hold a live audience. Long ago, when Minor Threat blew into town and blew away even the most jaded Hollywood punkrock scensters, I was shocked Capital Radio does the same thing today. Not that their music is in any way similar to the great hardcore outfit from D.C. – what is similar is their undeniable spirit. When they play, people shut up and listen. And you will too… There are many reasons why Capital Radio is such a compelling band. A big one is their maturity. They’ve been around, and it shows. As young teens they grew up in places like the Starwood, The Vex, and the Cathay De Grande and were reared on an unwholesome diet of phenomenal shit by bands like The Germs, X, Social Distortion, and Black Flag. They did their time playing in a succession of early 80’s L.A. punk bands that toured and shared stages with The Circle jerks, The Damned, The Misfits, and T.S.O.L., to name a few. But don’t get me wrong, this band is no punk rock relic from the Oki Dog days. The past is just that, and Oki Dogs is now Fatburger. The point is that Capital Radio has a style and a spirit that’s a product of the Old School; their sound, verve, and intensity is as fresh and alive as anything happening in alternative music today. Their music is a raging celebration of iron-in-the-soul conviction and integrity – and I think that is why people respond to these guys the way they do. In this Age of Cynicism where whiny bullshit and “junkie-posturing” rule the music industry, it is refreshing to experience a band that likes what they do and isn’t afraid to show it. These guys use music to take on life. Today, after years of struggle and perseverance in this and other bands, Capital Radio has gelled and they are now at the height of their powers. More like a gang than a band, when these guys play live, the club is their hood. They claim the stage with authority, and in a very professional, no nonsense manner they take care of business, playing an in-your-face set made up of tight, well-crafted rhythms, super song structures, and lots of juicy hooks. Frontman Darren Price’s songwriting is lean and mean and matched by his commanding stage presence. Lead guitarist Raffi Agopian’s silky-smooth style and monstro-riffs are mesmerizing and infectious. Add to this a self-assured, steady-as-they-come bassist in Scott Bernat, and the relentless pounding attach of Ro Meraz’s drumming, and what you get is pure savage power tempered with graceful control that comes at you like Tyson and doesn’t let up without a knock out. If Capital Radio has one flaw, it’s that they play so loud! But fuck it, you can sleep when you’re dead.