2018 –The Boxmasters
By Phillip Smith;
Oct. 13, 2018
Billy Bob Thornton (aka
Bud) , Teddy Andreadis and J.D. Andrew are back with In Stereo!.
This latest release from the Boxmasters captures the sounds
and vibe of the early Sixties when the Beatles and Beach Boys
were battling for king of the hill. Loaded
to the gills with nineteen songs similar in stylings to their previous album, it
was originally referred to as Tea Surfing
Too by the band before officially being titled.
I quickly
locked into “Clear Enough” a quirky poetic anthem with a garage punk attitude
about respecting one another’s differences and personal space. It’s catchy as hell, and I love the full-body
sound. Starting with a swoon-worthy
melody and topped with the wonderful echo-laced sounds of surf guitar, “Rise
Above Me” is a beautifully performed piece.
I also fall hard for the astral, Pink Floyd tendencies and Sgt. Pepper influences laced
in “Psychedelic”. It’s brilliant to say
the least. The swirly organ accompaniment
behind the thick twang of guitar gives the Beach Boys-infused “Best Girl” a
taste of pop psychedelia. A racing intro
carries “Never Want to Leave California” into a dreamy place to land, as Thornton
reflects upon The Golden State amid contemplating the termination of a failing
relationship. Recorded as a live performance
in Florence, Alabama, “Emily” brings In
Stereo! to conclusion in a Romantics-style ode to greasy-spoon crushes.
The
Boxmasters’ ability to not be pigeonholed into any particular flavor of
rock and roll as they dance around them all is uncanny and wonderful. In Stereo! is indeed a delightful listen.
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