By Mike Fordham

After the sudden break-up of the college cult band Dispatch, the three members went their separate ways.

Pete Francis and Braddigan both went solo, while Chad Stokes created his own group dubbed State Radio.

Their 2003 Flag Of The Shiners EP was eerily reminiscent of Dispatch’s mix of rock, funk, reggae, folk and ska sounds.

Now State Radio has finally issued a proper full-length, Us Against The Crown.

The group doesn’t stray too far from the jammy pop tendencies of Dispatch. In fact, State Radio mostly dabbles with reggae and funk.

This sounds has been so overdone that tracks such as “People To People,” “Waitress,” and “Right Me Up” come across as formulaic.

At least Stokes can be commended for his socially conscious lyrics.

For instance, “Camilo” tells the tale of a soldier who fought in Iraq and was imprisoned for refusing to return to war.

As disappointing as Us Against The Crown is, there still are some bright spots.

A standout track from the EP, “Gunship Politico,” makes a welcome appearance.

“Black Cab Motorcade” chugs along with some zip and proves the album needs more upbeat tunes.

With the explosiveness and political acumen that the Flag Of The Shiners EP contained, one would think that potential would assimilate onto a full-length album.

Instead, Us Against The Crown is filled mostly with blasé funk and tepid reggae.

(Chronicle Staff Photo)