📬 Get the Newsletter: Weekly podcasts, 'History of the Band' articles, new music reviews & more

Podcast Episode
Season
Fourteen
number
726
Type
Album Review
Post Date
8/6/2024

Poster Children

726 RTFM by Poster Children

RTFM

Label
Reprise Records
Release year
1997
Producer
Bryce Goggin
Transparent Embed Background

RTFM by Poster Children showcases the post-hardcore band at their best, with catchy and off-kilter songs crafted with clever complexity

Author & Special Guests

Though hailing from the same Champaign, Illinois scene that birthed Hum and Braid, Poster Children might have flown under your radar. Their major label years were fruitful artistically, but record sales didn't match the critical acclaim, and so the band ended their deal with 1997's RTFM. Opener "Black Dog" unleashes a thumping uppercut with massive guitars and a pummeling rhythm section, and while some of their indie-rock brethren from the time esched showy guitar licks, brothers Rick and Jim Valentin have no qualms about turning up the distortion and letting it rip, like on the frenzied "Music Of America" or dancy "21st Century." The album packs an unexpected punch, but doesn't ignore the subtle moments as well, like on the new wave-ish "Afterglow" or bass-driven "King Of The Hill."

Does This album bring back some great vibes?

Remember when you first discovered this album? We’re grateful to dig into these hidden gems and bring them the attention they deserve. Your support helps us uncover more albums deserve another moment in the spotlight.

Songs in this episode

  • Intro - Black Dog
  • 18:49 - 0 for 1
  • 22:39 - Dream Small
  • 25:33 - King Of The Hill
  • 30:45 - Rock That Doesn't Roll/Dope Nostalgia podcast promos
  • 44:55 - 21st Century
  • 48:00 - Music Of America
  • 1:01:40 - Afterglow
  • Outro - Happens Everyday

Follow us to know when this episode is available

We are a weekly podcast with new episodes published every Tuesday morning. Subscribe to the show in iTunes or your favorite podcast app to get new episode delivered to you. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for episode releases, previews and 90's rock news.

View in iTunes
Social media

Playlist

Spotify playlist for this episode

RTFM