Slowly but surely I am starting to get more bands/promoters/labels etc. sending me mp3’s and albums. Some are better than others. Sometimes it becomes a bit much and I keep forgetting to mention a band I really enjoyed. One of these is the Boxing Lesson’s new album ‘Wild Streaks & Windy Days’. Their manager Ryan was kind enough to give me their album to listen to and it rocks. The Boxing Lesson hail from Austin, Texas. The trio consists of Paul Waclawsky, Jaylinn Davidson, and Jake Mitchell. However its hard to believe it is just three people making this gigantic sound.
I didn’t know what to expect from the album, but I never expected the album to consist of immense futuristic psychedelic rock that could be found floating around in outer space. It is a fucking trip back to 70’s progressive! Listening to the album opener ‘Dark Side of the Moog’ not only brings out thoughts of Pink Floyd but it also sounds like them too. This track is pretty remarkable. These songs have so much profundity and ambiance it is a lot to take it. ‘Lower’ sounds like a journey through space very slowly eventually built up with some great guitar work and echoing synth effects. These guys can handle their instruments quite well, so much that you may not devote enough time to the vocals that they surely deserve. Paul’s warm vocals really add a lot to the songs.
‘Hopscotch & Sodapop’ showcases their ability to write a song that almost comes off as pop, but isn’t afraid to stop for a moment to add their space element. The song floats from mysterious to bright atmospheres. It is quite a feat. It is the little elements like this that provide an engaging listen. ‘Muerta’ lets the dark guitars create a whirlwind of dark sounds that really is a pleasure to listen to. All you need is a good pair of headphones and the lights off, and it’s a freaking trip! ‘Scoundrel’ is quite beautiful with some dark yet hopeful guitar riffs. The synth work and foggy vocals generate something grand in ‘Freedom’
The Boxing Lesson are a package of many good things. I mean this is a trio who sounds like their band is in the Broken Social Scene level. They combine guitars synths and various of other sounds to make abundant soundscapes that just shine. The album has a good clear focus and all the songs mesh together really well. You got some amiance, prog rock, pop, ballads, and more. These guys have a little bit of the 70’s Bowie & Floyd in them but also sound so damn fresh. This is a very good album and I highly recommend it. Where is the rest of the love for this band?
Rating: 8.1
Tracklising: (bold = reccomended tracks)
Dark Side of the Moog
Brighter
Lower
Hopscotch & Sodapop
Hanging With the Wrong Crowd
Muerta
Scoundrel
Freedom
Timing
The Art of Pushing Me Away
Dance with Meow
Wild Streaks & Windy Days
[MP3] : The Boxing Lesson – Dark Side Of The Moog (ysi)
[MP3] : The Boxing Lesson – Hanging With The Wrong Crowd (ysi)
Check out a super-cool video of ‘Brighter’ below:
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