SINGLE REVIEW - Collider - "Radio Flyer"
Collider takes a retro approach to the modern sound with “Radio Flyer”
Written by JD Walker
Every 90’s kid feels the beckoning force of nostalgia all too strongly, and for good reason - the 90’s were a simpler, and in retrospect a better time. The Nintendo 64 was flying off the shelves, the regularly scheduled programming included The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and All That, and legendary groups like Blink-182 and Green Day were just starting to make their mark on the world. Collider harkens back to the good old days with their new single, “Radio Flyer”, a modern tune with a vintage flair.
“Radio Flyer” begins with the seminal hook of the song, with vocalist/bassist John Prosser delivering the line with a certain grit reminiscent of Hagar-era Van Halen. The song follows a standard song structure, adding elements of the modern pop-punk sound while also offering nods to the alt-rock forefathers. The Western Australian trio composed of Prosser, guitarist Nathan Robeson, and drummer Brennan Pagels, deliver the sweet tune well and continue to showcase their top notch songwriting chops.
Where “Radio Flyer” sets itself apart is both in the video presentation and the lyrics themselves - the video has a certain 80’s je ne sais quoi about it that calls back to the videography style of an Iron Maiden live video. In a personal touch, the band mixed in home videos from the band members’ younger years as an added throwback. The lyrics croon of the heartache that every 90’s kid has felt at least once in their lives - the longing for yesterday, a simpler time when the world was huge and the future was bright.
Nostalgia is a powerful force, especially to the newest generation just trying to navigate their way through a world that’s more complex and interconnected than ever before. Collider hit the nail on the head with “Radio Flyer” and truly brought the listener back to a time when all they had to worry about was what toy they’d play with that day or what show they’d glue their eyes to. If your heart yearns for childhood and you’re longing to escape the bitter world for something more familiar, Collider has the song for you.