RADAR | INTERVIEW + TRACK REVIEW

With a sound that blends gritty guitar hooks, laid-back surf-rock charm, and anthemic energy, Radar is quickly becoming one of Melbourne’s most exciting emerging bands. Their debut EP Station Wagon captures the spirit of long drives, garage jams, and sun-soaked chaos — a snapshot of four longtime mates turning their shared love of guitar-driven music into something bigger. Fresh off standout shows at venues like The Gasometer and Aireys Music Festival, the band is building serious buzz with their high-energy performances and honest, no-frills approach to songwriting.

We caught up with Radar ahead of their free headline show at the Punters Club to talk debut EPs, chaotic gigs, band dynamics, and where they’re headed next.

TRACK REVIEW

We’re straight off to the races with Give Me Something — no time wasted, no room to breathe, just immediate momentum and all the right grit. The riff hits hard, and the track carries the perfect dose of angst without overplaying it.

The line “for you to let me know” paired with that sticky melody hits in all the right places — it tickles an itch you didn’t know you had. There’s a rawness to it, but also something so polished and intentional. The vocals are seriously strong here, pushing emotion without losing control.

It feels like if Fool Nelson and Skegss had an angsty baby — catchy, rough-edged, and undeniably alive. Give Me Something is a standout moment for Radar, and a track that demands to be played loud.

LISTEN HERE

You’ve already played some of Melbourne’s most iconic venues, what’s been the most memorable moment on stage so far?

Playing Aireys Music Festival was a standout for us. There were over 500 people there, most of them hearing us for the first time and the way they responded was unreal. Easily one of the best crowds we’ve had.

Station Wagon is your debut EP, what does the name mean to you, and how does it tie into the songs on the record?

We chose Station Wagon because it captures that classic Aussie feel. It’s nostalgic, laid-back, and fits the surfy-indie rock vibe of the EP. It felt like the right image to tie the songs together.

Radar’s live shows have been described as high energy, how do you approach translating that same energy into your recordings?

When we record, we always aim to make everything sound huge. At our gigs, the guitars hit hard and everything’s loud and in your face. We try to keep that same punch in the studio so the recordings reflect what it feels like to be there in the crowd.

Each of you brings something different to the table, how would you describe the dynamic between the four of you, both on and off stage?

We’ve all been mates since the start of high school which would be over 10 years now, so there’s a real trust and comfort between us. On stage, we’re just having fun playing music together, and I think people can feel that. Off stage, it’s the same - we just genuinely enjoy hanging out, and that makes working together feel easy and honest.

What’s a Radar track that means the most to you personally, and why?

Give Me Something is a big one for us. Not just lyrically, but because it’s the first time we felt like we really nailed the sound we’ve been chasing. There are bits of Fontaines D.C. and Inhaler in there, mixed with that Aussie flavour from bands like Old Mervs and Spacey Jane. Huge shout out to Ben Irawan for helping us shape the track, he really got what we were going for.

Melbourne’s music scene is stacked, what do you think makes Radar stand out from the crowd?

There’s so much talent here, but I think we stand out by keeping things simple - we’re not trying to reinvent anything. We just want to write big, anthemic rock songs and bring guitar music back into the spotlight. That’s what we’re about.

Your next headline show is a free one at Punters Club, what can people expect if they’re seeing Radar for the first time?

High energy, loud guitars, a bit of chaos - in the best way. Expect big riffs, a few slower tracks to catch your breath and maybe a cover or two. Even if you don’t know the songs it’s still a load of fun.

Can you walk us through a typical Radar songwriting session? Does it start with a riff, a lyric, or a jam?

Usually I’ll make a demo of something I’ve written and bring it to the boys and see what they reckon. If everyone is a fan, we usually run it through as a band and everyone puts their touch on it.

If Station Wagon had a visual theme or film aesthetic, what kind of movie would it be?

It’d feel like a Guy Ritchie film - gritty, fast-paced, a bit rough around the edges but still sharp. Picture dark pubs, pool tables, old cars that shouldn’t still be running, and a group of mates just figuring it out as they go.

What’s one goal you’re all chasing as a band this year, something you’d love to tick off the list before 2025?

We’d love to do our first headline tour across Australia. So far we’ve only played in Victoria, and we’re keen to get out and play to new crowds in other parts of the country.

LISTEN HERE