“They made radio for the music. Now people just make music for
the radio.” Thus begins “Entertained” by So-Cal four-piece
KillRadio. In a world where the airwaves are dominated by
frighteningly laughable acts such as Simple Plan and Nickelback,
KillRadio’s sound and message are a breath of fresh air.

With the election quickly approaching and political music
gaining the spotlight, droves of bands are putting out politically
charged albums. Many bands in the “pop-punk” camp are now releasing
mindless, clich� “political” material (for a cringe-worthy
example, check out the newest Yellowcard video).

A few bands, however, manage to offer an intelligent political
message with their music. KillRadio just so happens to have
something to say that is worth listening to.

KR stopped in St. Louis at the Creepy Crawl to support their
debut album, “Raised on Whipped Cream.” While the title may seem a
little silly at first, “Whipped Cream” is quite possibly one of the
best political albums of the year.

As opposed to political-punk peers such as Anti-Flag, KillRadio
are not anti-Bush so to speak, but rather, they are pro-progress.
And George Bush just so happens to be un-progressive. KillRadio
take their “pro-progress” ideals beyond just lyrics. Progress is
evident in the very sound of their music.

Their opening song Saturday night at the Creepy Crawl was funky
punk number, “Pull Out.” From the funky intro of “Pull Out,” it was
evident that KillRadio was not going to be a typical punk band.

They definitely have their foot in punk music, but their other
foot is constantly moving from ska, to hip-hop, to dub, to
funk.

At various points in their set, KillRadio seemed to be
channeling different bands. One song it was The Clash (“Where Go
We”), then The (International) Noise Conspiracy (“Ad Jam”) then IMA
Robot (“Freedom”).

At one point during the set, lead singer/guitarist Brendan
Jordan seemed to be possessed by “Stop Making Sense”-era David
Byrne as he danced with the microphone stand with lighthearted
intensity.

The most interesting song of their set was the aggressively
catchy “Ad Jam.” The “Ad Jam” mentioned in the song is the
“adjusting” billboards and other public advertisements with paint
so that they carry a more meaningful message. (“They’ve got the
power; we’ve got the paint…The ad jam’s now in session adding
truth upon the lies.”)

The song sounds serious but the premise is so delightfully
mischievous that it was impossible not to grin while listening and
contemplating which billboards would make good patients for such an
operation.

With such a solid debut album and an even better live show to
back it up, we should expect great things from KillRadio. If only
more new bands were this interesting.