Article Contributed by Elliot Engebretson
Published on 2026-11-09
Ever-evolving and shifting like the seasons, RADO’s newest studio effort, “Splice Girls,” marks a bold departure from the traditional jam-forward sounds of the band’s past. Instead, the Denver quartet embarks on an epic, sci-fi-filled journey through the cosmos of live electronica, blending rhythmic symphonies with deep electro-soul, as the worlds of electronic music and jam fuse into one hilariously titled album. The result highlights RADO’s versatility and depth through a different lens, while reaffirming the natural chemistry that has always defined the group, as it explores uncharted new musical territory.
From the ground up, RADO’s newest release shifts the band’s focus from stretched-out improvisation to a deep, splice-heavy underworld of heavy bass, soaring synths, and haunting vocals, marking a clear identity shift for the group. This change in direction gives the Colorado-based four-piece room to explore new grooves, textures, and an entirely fresh musical identity, and “Splice Girls” highlights that identity shift in a multitude of ways.
The kick can be felt from the first breath, as the album opens with the party anthem “Two Feet,” which moves exactly as the name implies. That voice you hear from the jump is Jena Asciutto, whom you may recognize from her American Idol days. A successful musician in her own right, the Michigan native shines throughout the album, adding breathtaking texture and dimension to the dance-forward beats. Jena’s voice, sometimes sampled and chopped, other times fluid and whole, injects a lifeforce into the record. Her hooks, melodies, and vocal range truly shine on “Splice Girls,” creating a rhythmic fluidity that will be stuck in your head for weeks to come.
Take “Language,” for example. An eloquent, soaring tune fueled by a four-on-the-floor dance beat, the track is elevated by Jena’s innate ability to reach above the clouds vocally. Her voice becomes an ever-present theme, one that can haunt, captivate, and inspire. It feels like the perfect fit, giving both RADO and Jena the creative space to feed off each other’s energy and build something special throughout the album.
While the album certainly feels like a dance-first record, with club-ready tracks like “First Sip Feeling” and “Tight Dress,” leading the way, more emotional pieces like “Miss You” showcase RADO in a different light. The lo-fi single provides a welcomed change of pace, evoking the atmosphere of a laid-back coffee shop on a winter afternoon. Jena Asciutto once again steals the show, delivering a soulful, Mary J. Blige-esque vocal performance that provides a poetic soundtrack to the track’s kick drums and bass. Like a love letter during times of hardship, “Miss You,” feels raw and vulnerable. It’s the band shedding their skin of previous ideas and sounds, and evolving into what’s in front of them. It’s a refreshing reminder that RADO’s electronic transformation isn't solely about keeping the dance floor pulsating. There's plenty of room for atmosphere, emotion, and soul, too.
While “Splice Girls” embraces an Ableton-heavy, sample-based approach, the listener still finds that much of the album’s foundation rests on the bass lines of Kevin MacKinnon. Alongside keyboardist James “Jimmy” Hatch, MacKinnon anchors the rhythm, creating a musical framework that gives the electronic elements plenty of room to breathe and evolve. Tracks like the radiant “Light Source” put the low-end front and center, while other cuts drift into a lo-fi, laid-back, rainy-day atmosphere. These contrasting textures highlight RADO’s adaptability and willingness to explore new sonic territory through the lens of technology.
Coming off a massive album release party at the infamous Armadillo Ranch in Manitou Springs, Colorado, where RADO debuted “Splice Girls” in its entirety for their loyal Colorado following, there’s something exciting about a group willingly stripping down the foundation it has built and rewriting the history books. “Splice Girls” feels like an extension of the band’s improvisational instincts. However, instead of relying on soaring guitars and drums, the arrangements revolve around extended loops, syncopated percussion, and unexpected sonic transitions. Packed to the gills with new technology, breakthrough sampling, and a plethora of alien communication, the album represents a bold new chapter for the group. As guitarist Dylan Tuthill explains, “Ultimately, it’s a major pivot away from the jamband world and a deep dive into electronica. We’ve incorporated new pads, drum machines, and acoustic kits all at once to give it a real house feel.”
Of course, as with all improvisationally-focused groups, “Splice Girls” is only a brief synopsis of what these songs can become in a live setting. These are living, breathing creatures whose powers shine brightest beneath the glowing lights. “Splice Girls” is a symphony of sounds that lays the framework for the band to ultimately do what it has done for years - let the story unfold as it may. The difference is that RADO now has an entirely new sonic palette with which to tell that story.
RADO will play alongside DeadPhish Orchestra this New Year’s Eve at Cervantes in Denver and will surely be bringing the “Splice Girls” magic to the rest of the country in 2027 and beyond.
