tragic culture - Radio Hallelujah

Tragic Culture

Radio Hallelujah 
self-released; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Eva Cantillo

Tragic Culture is a four-member rock band out of Stockton, CA and gives its audiences grungy, sensual hard rock that keeps em’ begging for more. While listening to this album, I am reminded of bands like Deftones, Incubus, Muse and Mars Volta. Yet, this band truly has a style all its own and anyone into these bands will dig Radio Hallelujah.

The opening track on Radio Hallelujah spares its listeners no mercy. “Media Slut” has a wavering guitar chord that moves so quickly and helps maintain regularity while the vocals and drums glide under the radar. Continuing on, “Damn Shame” starts off with a harsh yet tauntingly inviting guitar riff that just builds and builds until you helplessly fall into it. The vocals are laden with passion and the chorus is uber sexy and “shameless.” The lead singer’s voice seems to eerily transform while he sings “damn what shame, damn what a, damn what a shame…” The running drums and steady guitar keep you completely in-tuned to this heavy rock track and you wouldn’t believe the hype towards the end of the song, can you say mosh pit?

The song “Radio Hallelujah” begins with an eerie radio signal sound before the guitar pops in to say “HELLO!” along with the drums and then finally the vocals. All of which slowly boil over into a foamy bath of rock nirvana. “I’m just the left, you’re so defiant that you never cared… can you hear my radio hallelujah?” The chorus repeats over and over and each time it hits deeper until you hear more chaotic guitar chords and calculated drum patterns.

The sound quality on this production could be improved a bit because at times the vocals get a bit muddy and the sound becomes slightly distorted. Yet overall is a triumphant collection of well-produced hard-rock songs that also have that soft, sensual side. 

official website