Radio Birdman
“Zeno Beach”
Yep Roc Records

The return of Radio Birdman! And they’re playing New York City? All right! Oh wait, it’s after I leave the east coast… damn. Well, at least I have a new LP to keep me occupied.

“Zeno Beach,” Radio Birdman’s first album of new material in some 25 years, was released in their homeland of Australia this past June and here in the US last month. Nice packaging, 180-gram vinyl, it looks like indie Yep Roc Records is pulling out all the stops for these legends. The plastic wrapper isn’t even in the garbage before I’ve got side one cued up, and–I don’t know how to say it: I’m disappointed. Rob Younger’s voice has held up really well; the man has soul.

The new rhythm section is solid (the bottom end that’s missing from Radios Appear gives these songs a fuller sound) but the songs aren’t as fast and frantic as, say, “What Gives?” or “Do the Pop.” They’re more mid-tempo and moody. There are only two songs that really stand out: title track “Zeno Beach” could have fit nicely on their debut LP, and side one opener “We’ve Come So Far (to be Here Today).”

I try not to have high expectations for any record I buy (so I don’t sound like a clod if I wind up disappointed) but I guess I did this time. Obviously, any band together (off and on) for 30 years is going to mature and change, so maybe I shouldn’t have expected a rehash of “Radios Appear,” but…

Doesn’t Rock l Kinda Rocks l Rocks l Really Rocks