Radio 4 (band)

Radio 4

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1999
Headquarters	Brooklyn, New York , United States
Products	Punk rock music, albums, EPs, singles

Radio 4 was a Brooklyn-based American punk group formed in 1999. They characterized their sound as distinctly New York—created in, about, and reflective of the city itself.

Formation and beginnings

The band started as a trio consisting of Anthony Roman (vocals/bass), Tommy Williams (guitar/vocals), and Greg Collins (drums). These longtime friends from Long Island were active participants in the hardcore scene and had previously played in bands such as Garden Variety and Sleepasaurus. Drawing inspiration from late 1970s and early 1980s punk and post-punk, they initially released a three-song EP through New Jersey's Gern Blandsten label.

Their first full-length record, The New Song & Dance (2000), was produced by Tim O'Heir and showcased a raw rock aesthetic that invited comparisons to The Clash. During this period, Roman also launched a record store in Brooklyn that became a focal point for the local music community. Following this album, they issued the Dance to the Underground EP; its title track’s dance remix achieved club popularity and was featured in a Mitsubishi commercial, marking a progression toward incorporating dance elements into their sound.

Gotham! era and rise to prominence

By 2005, the band had expanded to five members with David Milone replacing Williams on guitar, along with Gerard Garone on keyboards and P.J. O'Connor adding percussion. Collaborating with James Murphy and Tim Goldsworthy of DFA Productions, Radio 4 recorded their sophomore album. Released in 2002 via Gern Blandsten, Gotham! merged punk guitar riffs with electronic dance influences, aligning them with DFA contemporaries like The Rapture. The album was described as simultaneously "a dance party and a political rally," earning them mainstream acclaim and international exposure.

Their third studio effort, Stealing of a Nation (2004), recorded in Brooklyn with Max Heyes at the helm, was met with unfavorable critical reception. They followed this with a fourth album titled Enemies Like This in 2006.

Gerard Garone departed from the group in April 2008. Their last full live show took place at the CBGB Festival in New York City in 2012. Subsequently, Roman and Milone have occasionally performed under the name Orange Cassettes alongside former members of Elefant.

Influences

Radio 4 has acknowledged influences such as Gang of Four, Mission of Burma, Primal Scream, and Zero Zero. Their vigorous punk style combined with politically charged lyrics often draws parallels to The Clash.

The band's name is derived from a song by Public Image Ltd. on that group's second album, which itself references the British broadcaster BBC Radio 4.

Studio albums

• The New Song & Dance (2000)
• Gotham! (2002)
• Stealing of a Nation (2004)
• Enemies Like This (2006)

EPs

• Dance to the Underground (June 2001, Gern Blandsten Records)
• Electrify (August 2004, Astralwerks)
• Enemies Like This Remixes (September 2006, Astralwerks)
• Packing Things Up on the Scene (October 2006, Astralwerks/EMI)

Singles

• "Beat Around the Bush" (1999, Gern Blandsten Records)
• "Dance to the Underground" (June 2001, City Slang) – UK No. 94
• "Struggle" (May 2002, City Slang) – UK No. 84
• "Eyes Wide Open" (May 2002, City Slang) – UK No. 182
• "Start a Fire" (August 2003, City Slang) – UK No. 130
• "Party Crashers" (July 2004, Astralwerks/City Slang) – UK No. 75
• "Absolute Affirmation" (September 2004, City Slang) – UK No. 61
• "State of Alert" (November 2004, City Slang) – UK No. 121
• "Transmission" (March 2005, City Slang) – UK No. 153
• "Enemies Like This" (May 2006, Astralwerks) – UK No. 162
• "Packing Things Up on the Scene" (October 2006, Astralwerks/EMI) – UK No. 175
• "As Far as the Eye Can See" (August 2007, Astralwerks/EMI)

Songs featured in other media

• The track "Party Crashers" was included in the video game Project Gotham Racing 3.
• Nike incorporated the song "Caroline" in their Joga Bonito advertising campaign.
• "Dance to the Underground" was part of the soundtrack for the film Grandma's Boy, produced by Happy Madison, Adam Sandler's production company.
• The song "Start a Fire" appeared in Warren Miller's Journey as well as the FX television series Rescue Me.
• Commercials promoting National Geographic Channel's documentary series Critical Situation featured the track "Enemies Like This".
• In 2004, advertisements for Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycles included the song "Calling All Enthusiasts".
• A pre-release version of "Give it to Me" was showcased in a Sharpie marker commercial starring David Beckham during the summer of 2008.