RADAR: Punky Power Pop From Extra Arms

2023’s The Last Rock Band was in our end of year top 20. Ryan Allen’s What a Rip was our top power pop album of 2021. Needless to say, expectations are high when a new Extra Arms record comes out. And their latest does not disappoint. RADAR has all the requisite punch, big hooks and guitar buzz fans have come to expect from the band.

The album starts off with the adrenaline soaked “Be Someone Else”, a song that draws its inspiration from the late 70’s punkier side of Elvis Costello. “Everything Disappears” is equally as engaging as it hangs on a great guitar hook and shout along backing vocals. The melody behind “All Good Things Take Time” is a real winner and “Shut ‘Em Down” is an anthemic gem.

Gates of Steel…Guitar?

There are a couple of great surprises on RADAR. Extra Arms’ cover of Devo’s “Gates of Steel” gives new life to a long forgotten but terrific track. The muscular guitars and vocal inflections work so very well.

I’ve always been a sucker for a song with a sad story and a twangy, steel guitar. “Space and Time” delivers. Not only is it a nice juxtaposition from the other tracks on the LP, it’s a damn fine song.

Pre-order Extra Arms’ RADAR Here

RADAR is another fine effort from a consistently terrific outfit. A bit more diverse than some previous LPs but clinging to those punk and power pop roots, this one will appeal to fans old and new. You’ll dig it if you like Elvis Costello, The Replacements, Cheap Trick and The Buzzcocks.

Extra Arms are: Ryan Allen (vocals, guitar, keys, percussion, drums and bass on “Space and Time”), Ryan Marshall (bass), Daniel Stover (drums), and Jordan Wright (guitar).

With a release date of May 3, you can preorder your copy of RADAR Here.