Ex-Dispatch member pleases fans
State Radio is a big deal.
If you don’t believe it, you clearly weren’t at their performance at the Fox Theatre on Wednesday. Not only did the Boston-based trio sell out the venue, they thoroughly enjoyed doing it.
The opening song, “Fall of the American Empire,” from the band’s September release, “Year of the Crow,” set the night in motion. The band banged their heads to the music, and the audience held up their lighters and sang State Radio’s songs back to them.
Vocalist and guitarist Chad Urmston, credited for his unmistakable voice, was once a singer for the band Dispatch. Dispatch started in 1996 as a couple of college guys playing in bars that became immensely popular with college-aged people. The band parted ways in 2002.
Urmston, or “Chetro” as he was called during his Dispatch days, is back on stage. Joined by bassist Chuck Fay and drummer Mike Najarian, Urmston has found himself in a new and arguably better limelight. State Radio officially began in the latter part of 2002 yet has gone through a lot of temporary members.
“When I first heard State Radio I was like, I know that voice,” said Layne Lewis a junior environmental studies major.
When the song “Guantanamo” began, the audience applauded and sang along with Urmston.
As the night went on, State Radio deviated from their Dispatch roots and a darker, edgier side shined through. A lot of their newer songs from both, “Year of the Crow” and their July release EP utilize deeper guitar riffs, a heavier bass sound and many drum solos. The band clearly went technical by using electronic sounds to reinforce their newfound edge.
“Yeah, our new stuff is definitely heavier, songs you can really bite into,” Urmston said. “My favorite song is ‘Rash of Robberies.'”
Urmston’s voice may be the only remnant of the more folk and reggae sounds of Dispatch.
“I think towards the end (of Dispatch), as we became better at our instruments, we were going in a heavier direction,” Urmston said.
The singer had a huge smile on his face as he hung around after the show to sign autographs and talk to a few lucky fans.
“These are the friendliest, most approachable guys you will ever meet,” said Elise Markell, who handles the band’s merchandise sales during their tour.
It’s true, not only did Urmston greet fans with an enthusiastic hello and a firm handshake, but he was genuinely happy to chat. Urmston was just having a plain old good time.
“Playing tonight was awesome,” he said.
Urmston’s eyes lit up with excitement as he spoke about his love of snowboarding in Colorado, as well as his excitement for State Radio’s trip to Australia, where they will tour with The Beautiful Girls.
State Radio generates a feeling of excitement wherever they go. They have released several new albums over the past couple of years, recruiting hundreds of new fans in their wake. You can expect great things from a band that is just having a great time.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Emily Sturges at emily.sturges@colorado.edu.
