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Love and Politics Collide, Danceably

Radio 4 returns with a mix of politically charged post-punk dance-rock.
Radio 4 returns with a mix of politically charged post-punk dance-rock.

On its fourth full-length album, the New York band Radio 4 (named after a Public Image Limited song) returns with an excellent mix of politically charged post-punk dance-rock inspired by Gang of Four, The Clash and a healthy dose of '80s new wave. The group comes by that distinct sound without ripping off its forebears or contemporaries, so the result sounds at once classic and modern.

Singer Anthony Roman has said that he wanted to prove that "a political song could be a love song in disguise, or vice versa," and his band achieves that effect nicely on "Enemies Like This." A sleek, drum- and bass-heavy single, the song benefits immeasurably from new guitarist Dave Milone's biting contributions and the tight production of Jagz Kooner. It's a raw, emotionally charged track, with smart lyrics laid over funk riffs and deep, pulsating dub grooves -- as thoughtful as it is danceable.

Listen to yesterday's 'Song of the Day.'

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John Richards
John Richards is the host and producer of The Morning Show with John on 90.3 FM KEXP Seattle, and online at kexp.org. He is also KEXP's assistant program director.