Arab on Radar were a Providence, Rhode Island based noise rock band founded in the mid-1990s. They disbanded in 2003. Members of the band went on to form or join the bands The Chinese Stars, Athletic Automaton, and Made in Mexico.
Arab on Radar's early sound was typified by a thickly distorted, repeated bass grooves, 4/4 drum beats, and two deafening guitars that employed contrasting melodies and near-unison chords that drew comparisons to the Contortions. Their live shows often featured spitting, trisomic parody, and full nudity. The lyrics (often offensive, vulgar, or just silly) were delivered in a high falsetto.
After Andrea Fisset's departure, the band developed a more straight-ahead sound and they began to draw (often inexplicably disparaging) comparisons to Sonic Youth. Arab on Radar may be considered catalysts for the neo-no wave scene that began to gain popularity with bands like Lightning Bolt and the Locust in the early part of the 21st century.
Vocalist Eric Paul has...
Created by dipity
on Jan 31, 2008
Last updated: 03/06/10 at 08:00 AM