Since their first full length ‘Shut Up And Dance‘ in 2013, Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio have only released singles or short EPs, so their new, relatively long EP, ‘The Festival Of Insignificance‘, was such happy news. This eight track EP has four new songs and four newly mixed or remastered songs which were originally included in Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio’s previous albums. Although half of the release is filled with existing songs, those new versions perfectly fit in the overall mood of the new album, so the EP very much sounds like a new creation.
“The Festival Of Insignificance” is soaked in the retro, synth-pop moods. Just like how reviving old trends is paradoxically the latest vogue, many parts of the new album present ironies. The simple and repeated chorus and rhythms with the old fashioned synthesizer sound are quite 70s, but they altogether give a very trendy and contemporary impression. Singing about lost love and past times, the rhythms are danceable and the tone of the vocal is just placid. Even their title “The Festival Of Insignificance” doesn’t sound making perfect sense because it is not usual to celebrate insignificant matters.
In their music, through the ironies, Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio interprets typical ways to accept things around us. Old trends can be new and bitter memories can be beautiful. My favorite track, “Joke,” has that novelty. This track is about a broken relationship and the moment of confronting the breakup. In the middle of the dramatic emotion, maybe full of indescribable sadness, the track flows into rhythmical latter part passing through a little bluesy beginning. Even the Latin-tinged guitar riff goes with the change becoming groovier as it approaches the ending.
Hope can be found in despair and joy in sadness. Rather than crying over heartbreaking moments, Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio finds new start and love. It is why their music has overflowing lively energy and listeners can be recharged with it to manage to live the reality full of paradox.