Review / 200 Words Or Less
Radio War
The Rising of the Talentless

Copper Lung (2008) Michael

Radio War – The Rising of the Talentless cover artwork
Radio War – The Rising of the Talentless — Copper Lung, 2008

Richmond has always had an impressive hardcore scene, so it's no surprise to hear good things from the city in Radio War. The Rising of the Talentless is the band's first label release and the second for upstart Copper Lung Records.

This 7" comes packed with four tracks of gritty and groove-heavy hardcore punk. "The Boy Gangs of Richmond" is a nice building number that demonstrates that a hardcore band can show some restraint and still capture the intensity of aggressive music. Radio War chugs through this EP with a concoction of metallic hardcore, also showing hints of influence from d-beat mainstays Tragedy. Lyrically, the songs mostly focus on discussing sociological issues. Overall, a solid band that I'm looking forward to hearing more from.

P.S. I can't believe they named a song "Gizmo Duck." I love Duck Tales.

7.5 / 10Michael • April 21, 2008

Radio War – The Rising of the Talentless cover artwork
Radio War – The Rising of the Talentless — Copper Lung, 2008

Related news

Copper Lung Signs Radio War

Posted in Labels on November 2, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Cel Ray

Cel Rayzer
Exploding In Sound Records (2026)

I don’t remember how, but I stumbled across Chicago’s Cel Ray in 2023 on the heels of their debut EP, Cellular Raymond. I was immediately hooked. After another EP and a single, the band finally brings us their debut long player, Cel Rayzer. To no surprise, it’s excellent. Cel Ray plays a brand of post-punk that’s lo-fi and streamlined. Singer … Read more

Bevis Frond

Horrorful Heights
Fire Records (2026)

God loves Nick Saloman, and from the heavens, the expulsion of the beloved archangel fell and spawned Horrorful Heights. A 20-track double-album behemoth. Eighty-eight minutes of musical mayhem. Who does that anymore? nobody. As they edit themselves down to make nice, safe Spotify playlists, Nick just dumps the whole glorious attic on your head like the wicked witch of the … Read more

Nine Pound Hammer

Too Outlaw For Outlaw Country
Reptilian Records (2026)

For nearly forty years, Nine Pound Hammer have occupied a strange corner of American music that very few bands have ever managed to touch. They're too loud for traditional country, too country for most punk bands, too dirty for radio rock, and frankly too stubborn to care where anyone thinks they belong. That's exactly why Too Outlaw For Outlaw Country … Read more