While it seems that most of the world has been partying at SXSW some bands have actually been on tour playing a different city every night. One of those bands being the Box Elders, who happen to be on tour with Black Lips.
Box Elders released a wonderful 7″ of self proclaimed Cave Pop in 2008 (which is shockingly still available through Grotto Records), and followed it up with a excellent first LP, Alice and Friends, on Memphis’ Goner Records.
“Hole In My Head” was the first single (on both of the above mentioned records), and I found myself singing a lot last spring while riding my bike. While Cave Rock might seem like something dark, Box Elders present it in a way that seems cool and damp. ”Hole In My Head” is the song that got this band stuck on many music fans iPods, and turntables, and it’s garage rock meets almost a Mammas and the Pappas retro haze.
[mp3] Box Elders- “Hole In My Head”
Alice & Friends carried on this tradition, and I’m excited to get the chance to see them play all of these songs live. Their live shows are intense, with every member of the band completely enthralled in the music. Alice & Friends brought a slight calypso tone to the drums at times, and some girl group backing vocals were thrown in to reinforce that same quirky 60′s influenced rock n’ roll that we have come to expect from these Omaha, Nebraska natives. The title track of the record is named after the bands favorite vegan BBQ restaurant, and comes early on the album…it is a perfect example of Box Elders light hearted hazy rock and roll that I expect will rock Black Lips fans live:
[mp3] Box Elders- “Alice and Friends”
- Both songs are from Alice and Friends.
- Buy Alice and Friends here.
I’m a little nervous to see them in a venue like Brooklyn Bowl or Bowery Ballroom after the magic of their intimate performance at Bruar Falls last March, and if you share this sentiment you are in luck because the first stop on the Box Elders NYC stint in back at Bruar Falls (without Black Lips).
Whether they are dressed in loin cloths, capes, or just regular clothes it’s sure to be an awesome show…and make sure to keep an eye on their drummer…he is a mad man on both keyboards and drums all at the same time. Box Elders prove that Saddle Creek isn’t the only thing coming out of Omaha.
I just got my bike back from the shop, and plan on belting out some Box Elders on my way to the show…tomorrow is going to be fun.
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- Tonight: 3/22/10- Brooklyn @ Bruar Falls
- Tomorrow: 3/23/10- Brooklyn @ Brooklyn Bowl (w/ Black Lips)
- tickets here.
- tickets here.
- Wednesday: 3/24/10- Manhattan @ Bowery Ballroom (w/ Black Lips)
- tickets here.
- all other tour dates can be found here.
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