Under the Radar Announces Fall 2017 Issue with Julien Baker on the Cover

Oct 20, 2017 Christopher Roberts

Under the Radar is excited to announce the full details of our Fall 2017 Issue, which is out now digitally via Under the Radar's app and the magazine app Readly. The print version has shipped out to subscribers and stores and will be on all newsstands soon (as well as available soon digitally via the magazine app Zinio). The issue features Julien Baker on the cover.

OMD on “The Punishment of Luxury”

Oct 13, 2017 Web Exclusive

Though the members of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) are known for being one of Britain's top selling synth pop pioneers, a far different sound can be found on one of the best songs from their new album, The Punishment of Luxury. 

Grizzly Bear on “Painted Ruins” - The Under the Radar Cover Story Bonus Q&A

Oct 06, 2017 Issue #61 - Grizzly Bear

When Grizzly Bear released their debut, Horn of Plenty, in 2004, it would have been difficult to predict that they'd still be making records 13 years later. Essentially a solo album by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Ed Droste, with drummer Chris Bear adding percussion and backing vocals, there was little indication that their future work would be defined by collaboration and the contributions of four unique creative personas. 

Willie J Healey

Sep 27, 2017 Issue #61 - Grizzly Bear

One might assume that a young indie rocker with growing critical acclaim would be earnestly, intensely set on making the next big step in their career. But instead of imbuing such seriousness, Willie J Healeyopted to don a red paisley, painfully out of fashion shirt and a black cowboy hat, all of which make him look like a failed 1970s Nashville troubadour.

Under the Radar’s Top 50 Albums of 2017 So Far

Jul 13, 2017

In the past we've avoided posting midyear best albums lists. It seemed somehow impatient and premature to evaluate the year's albums halfway through. And how do you decide which period the list covers, which arbitrary release date do you work out is the cut off point, as every midyear list seems to cover a different period? But 2017 is a year that demands a partial evaluation. The first half of the year has already produced enough strong albums to easily fill a Top 50, but also the second half of 2017 is stacked with so many high profile releases that threaten to overshadow some of the gems released so far. For example, we've already heard some August and September releases that we're certain will make the upper echelons of our final best albums of 2017 list come December.

To make this list an album had to be released for the first time (no reissues) somewhere between January 1, 2017 and last Friday, July 7. That means there are some good albums out tomorrow (such as Waxahatchee, Japanese Breakfast, and The Dears) that may made this list had we extended the period that far. Fourteen of our writers and editors (including myself and my co-publisher/wife Wendy Redfern) each submitted a list of their 20 favorite albums released this year thus far. Their number one album was worth 20 points, their number two worth 19 points, and so on until their number 20 album and any honorable mentions were worth one point each. All of that was calculated into the final list. By the way, this year we've interviewed 38 of the artists in the Top 50 and reviewed almost all these albums, so continue reading Under the Radar, both in print and online, for further proof that in-depth music journalism is far from dead. By Mark Redfern

Desert Daze 2017

Oct 20, 2017 By Lily Moayeri

Desert Daze has restored my faith in festivals. The festival, which celebrated its sixth year this past weekend, is unique in a number of ways, not the least of which is its location in Joshua Tree at the Institute of Mentalphysics. 

Soundtracking the Resistance - The Problem All Around

Oct 20, 2017 By Stephen Mayne

As the Harvey Weinstein fallout continues to unfold, it's a reminder that the crimes he stands accused of are not exactly rare, nor are they confined to the world of tarnished Hollywood glitz. Like every other part of society, the music industry is also riddled with similar stories. We look at that this week, alongside President Trump insulting various people and imperiling the safety of the world. Not that he doesn't do the same thing most weeks.