There are a few effects and factors that generate such a solid album that is Hallways of the Twenty-First Floor. Their melodramatic creation comes over you which then transcends your mind and seemingly drifts you away. (In a Pink Floyd kind of way but not with the illicit additive).

The members of Broadcast Radio are Nick Backovic – Guitars and the eccentric vocals. Nino Menard – Guitar, Piano, Accordion, Mandolin, and trumpets. Luca Fantigrossi - Bass Guitar and Wolf Hackel – Drums. All of the members contribute to the backing vocals except for Nick.

“Beneath Me Lies No Shadow” immediately starts to take claim of your mind with a deep translucent opening as Nicks formative vocals takes over and sends the song into a mixture of ever-changing tempo and mindful lyrics. “Beneath Me Lies No Shadow” is a contemplation song in the strongest sense. The song is very intriguing and may take a couple of listens to the song before you can grasp all of the components that pull this song together. This creates in my mind a very positive notable concept about their lyrics and their instrumental writing ability. The ending of the song I don’t think there is any other way to end the song as the last minute or so is just the instruments carrying on the song until a reducing end.

“My Last Chance” plays out and shows a brighter side to Broadcast Radio’s music. While listening to the start and throughout the duration of the song the drums seemed to be more noticeable, than the previous tracks, they seem to have become more vigorous. This song is a prime example of the Pop/Rock mixture that people have been talking about. If I had a choice which song would be the single from the album, this would be the song that I would choose to lead the album with. 

“A Plan To Escape” has a high resemblance to fellow Montreal rockers Mobile. It seems that Montreal is really starting to pump out more and more innovative and rising bands. Nicks vocals is what keeps “A Plan To Escape” within the Broadcast Radio boundaries and sound. This song is a definite radio play worthy song. This song is my second favourite off of the album. What makes this song work for me is the strong guitar playing which creates the liveliness of the song. The drums also play an influential factor to the song as well; they keep the flow of the song going and fill little voids throughout the song. 

To catch all these great song live you can check Broadcast Radio live at BarNone in Kingston, Ontario on December 13, 2008. I am going to be there and there is no reason why you shouldn’t be. Listen to my interview with Broadcast Radio HERE.

www.broadcastradioweb.com
www.myspace.com/broadcastradio

Matt Hartwick
m.hartwick@partyinkingston.com