Camp Radio’s pedigree is pretty impressive-Pete Frame would have a field day! Singer/guitarist Chris Page grew up in Glengary fronting The Stand GT. The young punks crossed our nation seven times, releasing scads of 7-inches, LPs and CDs throughout the 90’s. He later moved to Ottawa, playing out solo as The Glen Nevous Retraction, before getting cozy with his own name in 2003. Kelp Records proudly released “Decide to Stay and Swim” that year and before long, Page itched for bandmates again. Old pals Dave Draves and Scott Terry answered the call, and Camp Radio was formed in early 2005.
Dave Draves played in Fishtales in the early 90’s, trading in his guitar in favour of opening a studio. Since 1994, Draves has operated Ottawa’s 2-inch tape haven Little Bullhorn Prods, producing masterful works by artists such as the Wooden Stars, Julie Doiron, Gentleman Reg, Kathleen Edwards and Howe Gelb. Draves’ name is synonymous with music making in the Capital, and he is a pretty impressive bassist too. Taking cues from Jason Loewenstein’s days in Sebadoh, Draves raw tone ignites all over the Camp Radio LP.
Camp Radio drummer Scott Terry is the busiest Ottawan in rock, splitting his time between the Fucking Machines, Flecton & the Dreamcatchers, the Banditas, B/A/C/O/N and whichever new bands he’s conceived since I wrote this. He is a tireless drummer, guitarist, and screecher, and brings a bundle of energy and beard hair to the Camp Radio effort.
Camp Radio’s self-titled record was Kelp’s first ever LP. Recalling The Nils and Husker Du in their respective primes, Camp Radio rocks with a sense of maturity without the lyrical cliches and loss of inspiration that usually come with age. “Cons at the New Moon” and “On the Landing Strip” are perfect examples, each one littered with catchy riffs, sing-a-long melodies, witty wordplay and a path cleaved by the driving rhythm section of Draves’ rawly-toned bass attack and Terry’s unequivocal timekeeping.
Camp Radio gets right down to business, and our ears are reaping the rewards.
“Easily some of the nicest packaging of anything I’ve gotten my hands on lately. But, of course, not even the prettiest dress can help the homely girls so it’s lucky that Camp Radio – a trio of veterans of the Ottawa indie scene – have filled the album with sharp, tight and hooky guitar pop that would still be every bit as melodic and terrific if you dressed it up in a paper bag and scotch-taped banana peels and peanut shells to it. Muchos recommended.” – Chromewaves.net
