The Stranger Bands Page

Amateur Radio Operator

Somewhere between memory and echo lies the stories and sounds of ARO, living in the silence between the big parts; the reverb after the snare hit, the sound after the fall of a building, or wind through big big trees. We chase the ghosts stories of work, old dogs, broken radios, industrial rivers, rust, and death by knocking on the tops old guitars and rusty snare drums with a Big Muff running through eight seconds of delay.

What others are saying:
“It doesn’t take any longer than a few chords of Sirens of Titan’s opening track…to realize that you’re going to be in for quite a treat…” -music-critic.ca

"For weary travelers and forlorn dreamers, this record makes perfect late night, candle lit listening but be warned its not for the faint hearted or easily spooked. 'Watershed' kicks of the albums' un-easy listening feel in a track reminicent of REMs 'Country Feedback'. Dead Air (Sirens of Titan) sees enigmatic shimmering noises crash like waves onto its shores. 'Milo' has great pillars of guitar framing a fragile tale. A gloriously flowing number reminicent of Gish era Smashing Pumpkins, only cooler." - Americana-UK

"Johnson's singing is complimented by the rest of ARO: musicians who succeed not only in creating a great record, but also in crafting a sense of space. At no point in Sirens of Titan does the sound stumble or become awkward. Every snare beat is exactly where it should be, and the harmonies created between guitar, bass, and cello are enough to make the dark footprints and water towers seem like more than remnants. Verdict : Recommended for those who like walking in the dark" -Duck and Cover

“No Depression readers hear plenty of Alt. Country, but nothing like this!” - Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover Issue 61

“ARO’s world is an empty, dilapidated cityscape but with hope and care they seek to find meaning through musical connections mined from the rusty metal and broken cement of the modern world.” - Stereo Subversion

“Amateur Radio Operator might make you look-over-your-shoulder edgy. It’s tense, dark, vaguely sinister” - Seattle Times

“Feel good album of the year? Maybe not, but it’s the first album you’ll want to reach for this winter on a cold rainy day.” - Mish-Mash

“Haunted, dark and beautiful.” - Left Hip

“…an addicting mix of musical depth.” - The Celebrity Café

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