They used to be called The Sharks, theyíve opened up for all the hot bands in Boston, and they are the biggest new hope in their hometown (well, Amherst; allow me my liberties). ìTheyî are Read Yellow. As with their fellow Beantowners who are reviewed today, Read Yellow like squalling guitars, urgent percussion and off-kilter melodies. As a matter of fact, it seems Read Yellow have heard a Pixies record or three. But whatís wrong with that? Better than listening to Slaughter. The dueling vocals of guitarist Evan Kenney and bassist Michelle Freivald intertwine with the onrushing guitar cacophony and walls of feedback to produce a punky guitar noise assault not heard in recent times. Bits of At The Drive In and Fugazi are also evident on Radios Burn Faster. The sonic burn can be felt on songs like the bandís namesake, as well as ìThe Artî and ìModel America,î while the garagey rock of ìFashion Fataleî finds RY at their most straightforward, being ever so evocative of The Hives. However, for post-hardcore thrills, there are few albums that can offer the resplendent joy of Radios Burn Faster. Donít believe me? Thereís only one way to know for sure: find out for yourself.

Read Yellow
Fenway Recordings

1. Radios Burn Faster
2. Sirius Radio Reels In Ford, Factory Installed Satellite Radios On The Way
3. Burn Baby Burn
4. Live – Read Yellow Rock, With or Without DFA79
5. Read Yellow