For more than three years, Denver, Colorado-based band Rado has never set foot in the studio, always entertaining their various crowds and diehard fans via their energetic live performances and countrywide tours. So, when this moment of inevitable reality came to them, where they were faced with the actuality of getting into the studio to record their album, it came with its own existential dread. They were unsure of how to approach this and couldn’t help but feel intimidated and threatened by the very scope of a studio setting. But as with every challenge they have faced, they quickly devised a cure: they’d infuse that creative, spontaneous, and improvisational freedom their live shows afford them into this album creation, and just like that, a 7-track album wittily dubbed “Baker’s Measurement” was born.
With three previously released tracks, “River,” “The Twist” and “Thank You Mr. Science” and four unreleased jams, “Baker’s Measurement” spans 1 hour and 8 minutes. 7 tracks, over 1 Hour? I know you can’t help but wonder how that’s possible. Well, a track like “Run and Hyde” has a runtime of 12 minutes and 14 seconds, “Thank You Mr. Science” clocks in at 11 minutes and 2 seconds and “Back Nine’s” duration is 13 minutes and 37 seconds. I could go on and on, but clearly you get the picture, right? Thank You.
The beauty of this album rests on so many things, but I want to critically acclaim the awe-inspiring instrumental playing by the band. The way each and every member contributes to the overall success of the tunes here is nothing short of captivating.
For example, the soulfully rich, mellow, yet emotive cadence in the jam “Run and Hyde” is perceptible from the get-go. The blend of rhythm and melodies hits a listener right in the feels as the sultry lead vocals amplify that feeling. The song’s foundation has been laid on an indisputably flourishing soul cadence, with the beautiful rhythms concocted by the well-played guitar, precise drums, and bass, as well as the outstanding keys, creating this hauntingly beautiful melodic scope that wraps around a listener-like a warm embrace. Towards the climax, the band unleashes such ear-worming instrumental prowess, showcasing the very cornerstone this album was built around; – improvisational and impulsive shrewdness.
A track like “Back Nine” is very immersive, and you feel the contagious energy being exuded. It’s almost as if you are right there as the band performs. This goes on to show you how the band was having fun in that studio, just like they do when performing live, and that is why the music comes out like this. The track features an undebatable reggae rhythm that is smooth, making for such a dynamic and equally captivating listening experience.
What’s consistent throughout this album is just how Rado was able to offer a plethora of dancing tunes that ignite the dancing spirit in its listeners. Here, a listener is spoilt for choice. It makes for such a lively listening experience that will have you truly enchanted as you listen to the album on repeat.
The cover art is also a clever depiction of what the album is all about, and true to the imagery, Rado does bake delectables for days.
To put it into perspective, what Rado has done with “Baker’s Measurement” is masterfully harness the raw power of rock music, intertwining it seamlessly with the smooth, groovy, and danceable cadence of dance melodies, creating a sound that is uniquely and unmistakably its own—a dynamic and genre-blurring collection that encapsulates the band’s unique musical vision.
“Baker’s Measurement” is an impulsive and improvisational burst of eclectic rock and, if you ask me, has all the hallmarks of a timeless collection that stands the test of time.
For more information, how about you check the website www.radoshreds.com and follow the band on Instagram for more exclusives, including their upcoming summer 24 tour to promote “Baker’s Measurement.”