Portland quintet Radiation City took about a year or so to work on their latest full length, Animals In the Median, dividing recording time between their hometown and rural Washington. The follow-up to their 2012 album, the mesmerizing and dreamlike Cool Nightmare, was generating a bit of excitement, since the band’s popularity was expanding beyond Portland. I, myself, got hooked after hearing “Find It Of Use.” And once again, Radiation City did not disappoint.
Animals combines very ’60s poppy influences with a huge dose of quirkiness. While the energy overall is upbeat, it’s also deceptively complex and darker in some places, owing a lot to the ethereal vocals of lead singer and keyboardist Elisabeth Ellison.
Make plans to see Radiation City tonight at the Mohawk, 912 Red River, on the inside stage, along with two fantastic local bands on the bill, Feverbones and Hello Caller. Doors open at 9 p.m. Recommended.
