Sharp Pins is the solo project of Kai Slater, best known as the frontman of the art-punk band Lifeguard. Slater started Sharp Pins to explore a new musical direction, different from Lifeguard’s intense, noisier style. Blending sounds and aesthetics from 1960s and 1970s rock with modern indie-pop sensibilities, this is an under-the-radar project with maximum potential. Radio DDR, Sharp Pins’ second album of originals, builds on the foundations laid by 2023’s Turtle Rock.
This release features richer production and more layered instrumentation, with Slater primarily recording all parts himself. From the outset, Radio DDR draws listeners into a nostalgic world of classic mod pop-rock, layered with a lo-fi charm. Each track contributes to an album experience that feels both fresh and familiar, enhancing Slater’s vision of timeless, hook-driven guitar pop.
The record features a mix of jangly guitar pop and vintage power-pop flair. Slater’s style pulls from 1960s British rock and 90s lo-fi indie, with catchy choruses, layered vocals, and unpolished textures. The album’s arrangements include bright, chiming guitars, understated basslines, and moments of rich harmony that evoke a carefree, retro spirit, balanced by an indie sensibility. Slater’s lyrics are introspective, often exploring themes of connection, nostalgia, and self-discovery. His writing is both accessible and evocative, allowing listeners to find their own meaning in each song.
While Turtle Rock introduced listeners to Sharp Pins’ lo-fi approach, Radio DDR marks a natural progression toward a fuller, more refined sound. Slater maintains the DIY energy of his previous work but incorporates smoother harmonies, denser instrumental layers, and a greater sense of space in his production. The addition of other musicians on several tracks also brings a new spark, making Radio DDR feel more collaborative and expansive than its predecessor.
Sharp Pins’ sound echoes the feel of Guided By Voices, with the jangly guitars of The Byrds and the melodic sensibilities of Big Star. Paul McCartney and Paul Weller’s solo work are also good comparisons, especially in the album’s softer, acoustic moments, while Tobin Sprout’s influence appears in the concise song structures, vocal delivery, and nostalgic tones woven throughout Radio DDR.
The album’s opener, “Every Time I Hear,” kicks things off with infectious guitar riffs and retro appeal, setting Radio DDR’s playful tone. “Lorelei” and “If I Was Ever Lonely” stand out for their lush harmonies and sense of warmth and longing, while “Race for the Audience” offers a punchy conclusion with memorable lyrics and an upbeat rhythm. Tracks like “Sycophant” and “Chasing Stars” provide balance, showcasing reflective acoustic moments and Slater’s songwriting range.
Christopher Anthony
For more of Christopher Anthony’s music reviews, check out The Fire Note
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