Beat The Radar

Beat The Radar

Beat The Radar are a post-punk act from the United States, although the band later relocates to Manchester and treats the city as an adopted home. The group forms in Lancaster and then moves to Manchester, where it draws on the city’s underground guitar tradition and cites The Smiths, New Order, The Fall and The Stone Roses among its key influences. Its sound also carries American indie references, including Sonic Youth, early R.E.M., Sebadoh and the Smashing Pumpkins.

Releases and recording

The band’s debut album is To The City, From The Sea. The double A-side single By The Sea/Miracles is taken from that record. Tom Knott of The Earlies produces the release at Airtight Studios in South Manchester.

By The Sea is one of the first songs the band writes together during its early practices in Lancaster. The song reflects themes of escapism and coastal life, while Miracles is described as a song of longing and hope. Other singles mentioned are Telephone Conversation and 18,19,20,21,22.

Performances and support

Beat The Radar plays support slots with The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, The Longcut and The Answering Machine. Its singles receive support from Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens and XFM’s John Kennedy.

Style and themes

The band’s material is shaped by life on the coast as well as city-based indie and post-punk traditions. Its songs often focus on ordinary settings, longing and escape, with lyrical and musical details that connect seaside imagery to suburban and urban experience.

Members and notes

The lineup includes singer Jonny Swift. The text also refers to Laurie, who comments on the musical influences in By The Sea. Jonny’s volunteering in Russia and subsequent experience of being followed by the secret service is also mentioned in connection with the band’s story.