Excitable boys

Making the scene with Arab On Radar

by Bob Gulla

Arab On Radar started in Providence about six years ago. Back then, they prided themselves on the fact that they were a band audiences loved to hate. They took their cue from other uncompromising outfits at the time -- bands like Six Finger Satellite and Von Ryan's Express, to name just a few. These were groups who cared less about entertaining lackluster audiences and more about capturing and giving an electric voice to the bold ideas and sounds coming from within.

Rather than waiting for locals to come around to their way of thinking, AOR found the road that directed them out of town. They began touring relentlessly, logging many miles, often aimlessly. Once in a while -- surprise! -- they'd even find an audience. Of course, with no idea of what they were doing, no financial backing or any other kind of tour support, AOR returned from each tour with pockets completely empty, intending only to stay long enough to refill, replenish, refinance. Soon, they figured, they'd head out again.

AOR lived this itinerant lifestyle for five years; they've covered 45 states, the full perimeter of the country, and toured throughout Europe, including Slovenia and Croatia. This fall they're even planning a trip to Japan. Their insanely hard work (some might call the work itself "insane") earned them a record deal with SkinGraft, a simpatico imprint specializing in formidable avant-garde acts like Zeni Geva, Melt Banana, and other vicious noise hawkers. The deal won't line their pockets with a huge advance (or any advance, more likely), but it does provide Arab On Radar with an awesome and all-important legitimacy, one that will likely keep them on the path toward true musical discovery. It might even net them a genuinely interested audience to boot.

Now that they've learned a few lessons, AOR has a few suggestions, things they've learned along the way that might benefit the ailing local scene. "The Providence scene needs direction," the band writes in. "If our slob asses could do it, anybody else can. If bands were touring there would inevitably be a fertile new scene.

"What Providence needs now is for all of the different scenes to come together and share bills with each other, promote big shows that are exciting again. The idea is to try and remind people of what excited them about music in the first place." To that end, Arab On Radar is playing an all-ages show this Friday (2/9) at the Columbus Theater with Drop Dead and Microwave, featuring the gritty tunes from Soak the Saddle, their audacious new disc.

"We played the venue before and it was successful. What we would like this time is for all different types of people to show up ready to have a good time."

You can also check out the band's website at www.arabonradar.com, or visit the SkinGraft site at www.skingraftrecords.com.

MARTIN BAKER BENEFIT. We thought we'd give you some advance notice on a big and worthwhile benefit show. It's called "House Rent Boogie" and it's for local drummer/ avant-gardist Martin Baker who has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Our best hopes and wishes are, of course, with Baker as he begins the healing process.

The show will begin at 4 p.m. at the Call on Sunday the 18th. Performers include Executrix, Plan 9, the Gamma Rays, the Itchies, Geri Verdi and the Villains, Vic Foley, the Volcanic Skahunas, Sasquatch the Lady Killer, and No Seamus. There will also be a dance contest with prizes from Daddy's Junky Music and Miko Exotic Wear. Donation is $10. For info, call Roger at 232-3109.

THE PHOENIX/FNX BAND GUIDE. Be on the lookout for the brand new edition of the Phoenix Band Guide. Consider it a musician's handbook to the local area, with comprehensive coverage of the music industry. It will be, along with Rattlehead Sean's rattleheadrecords. com Website, one of the only true resources for diehard local rockers looking for information. The issue also includes information on DJs and studios, plus you can find out more about talent and booking agencies in the area. It will also present a listing of venues throughout southern New England so you can find the best club to suit your rockin' tastes.

The street date is 3/23.

WANDERING EYE. There are a bunch of good things going on this Friday, including the amazing Buddy Guy at Lupo's, and Young Neal over at the Call. Next door to the Call at the Century Lounge, catch Immune, Simple Life, the Deal, Domination, Runaway Brain, and more show up for the umpth annual Big Noise Song Slam. Doors open at 8 p.m. It's all ages, and there's a $5 cover. Go to www.bignoisenow.com/slam.html for more details.

Also on Friday, at the 193 Degrees Coffeehouse on the URI campus (upstairs at the union), M-80 and Frontline take the stage for a free all-ages gig. Be warned that doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Space is limited -- these bands are good and college kids never have cash -- so get there by 7:15 or so if you want a spot. If you need directions go here: www.officialfrontline.com/directions.html.

On Saturday, the 10th, the Providence Riots will take over the stage and wreak some havoc at the Safari Lounge. Go to http://members.nbci.com/Prov_Riots/ for more details.

On Valentine's Day (the 14th), treat your loved one to some rollicking fun with the Providence Wholebellies, featuring Chris Turner, Rachel Maloney, Steve Dubois, Phil Edmonds, Steve Jobe, Rick Masimo, and Winnie Lambrecht. The show takes place at the Trinity Brewhouse on Fountain Street and starts at 9:30 p.m. Call 453-2377.

Thanks for all the e-mails, folks. Please keep me informed of local events so I can pass any and all information on. E-mail me at b_gulla@yahoo.comb_gulla@yahoo.com.