Poster Children - RTFM | 90s Album Review

Though hailing from the same Champaign, Illinois scene that birthed Hum and Braid, Poster Children might have flown under your radar. Their major label years were fruitful artistically, but record sales didn't match the critical acclaim, and so the band ended their deal with 1997's RTFM. Opener "Black Dog" unleashes a thumping uppercut with massive guitars and a pummeling rhythm section, and while some of their indie-rock brethren from the time esched showy guitar licks, brothers Rick and Jim Valentin have no qualms about turning up the distortion and letting it rip, like on the frenzied "Music Of America" or dancy "21st Century." The album packs an unexpected punch, but doesn't ignore the subtle moments as well, like on the new wave-ish "Afterglow" or bass-driven "King Of The Hill."

 

Songs In This Episode

Intro - Black Dog

18:49 - 0 for 1

22:39 - Dream Small

25:33 - King Of The Hill

30:45 - Rock That Doesn't Roll/Dope Nostalgia podcast promos

44:55 - 21st Century

48:00 - Music Of America

1:01:40 - Afterglow

Outro - Happens Everyday

 

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