Radial Spangle is an eclectic trio from Oklahoma City. The group's first album, 1993's Ice Cream Headache, has a cavernous, echoing sound filled with plinking guitars and feedback over which the vocals of Alan Laird and April Tippens hover. 1994's Syrup Macrame shows a vast improvement, mixing loud, abrasive "city songs" with loopy, gentle "country songs." Similar to Sonic Youth and Mercury Rev, Radial Spangle lacks the pretension of those groups, instead writing songs about sunflowers and birthdays. It's a welcome change. ~ Heather Phares