(Merge)

www.mergerecords.com

Ironically, the abrupt change that nearly put the cap on the Radar Brothers' career two years ago actually resulted in the band's rebirth. Singer/guitarist Jim Putnam's bandmates had called it quits, leaving him alone with a tapped out brand and little idea about how he'd soldier on. Thankfully, he opted to regroup, enlisting drummer Steve Treichel and bassist Be Hussey to begin the band anew.

Consequently, The Illustrated Garden represents the start of phase two in the Radar Brothers' trajectory, one which... um, will hopefully put them on the radar. There's good reason to believe that could be the case, given the fact that Treichel and Hussey add a much needed oomph to Putnam's languid melodies. There's still a dreamy, atmospheric aura cast over these proceedings, but with a new rhythm section effectively primed, the group no longer find themselves drifting aimlessly in the haze. The majority of these songs - "Dear Headlights," "Rainbow" and Horses Warriors" in particular - are swept along with a steadfast strum and a determined pace, even as the shifting textures swirl around them. That's not to say they've abandoned their earlier introspection entirely; "And the Birds" sounds like an outtake from Pink Floyd's classic opus, Wish You Were Here while "Radio" is swathed with psychedelia.  Even so, The Illustrated Garden seems to be sketched from a broader palette. 

Standout Tracks: "Dear Headlights," "And the Birds" LEE ZIMMERMAN