Box Car Racer [ECD] [PA] - Box Car Racer > Reviews > Box Car Blink

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Not applicable
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	It's almost blink - 182
Disadvantages:	It's almost blink - 182

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

For all those blink-182 and Box Car fans out there you will probably already know the story behind BCR (Box Car Racer), but for those who are reading this with intent to buy or otherwise I'll give you the summary.

When blink-182 took their first break, guitarist Tom DeLonge and drummer Travis Barker decided to embark on a side project with two of 'Over My Dead Body's' members David Kennedy and Anthony Celestino. The original idea, which I've heard was forwarded by Tom, was to have the side project to pay tribute to bands such as Refused and Fugazi. The influences of these such bands are shown throught the album.

This leaves it with a more mellow punk rock feel.

Tom's guitar skills haven't improved much from the pop-punk riffs of blink, but thats not to say that BCR have no musical ability, nor is it saying that Tom lets the side down. The guitar is not ground breaking, but will not leave anyone listening to the album dissapointed. Travis performs to the best of his abilty that I have heard, all the way through the album. As to Anthony and David I can't really comment on because I've not listened to any of Over My Dead Body, but they all work well together to form a formidable band that would please rock and punk fans alike.

Tom's lyrics for BCR are not the teenage angst, pop happy examples shown in blink. But quite the opposite. They portray a darker, deeper feeling of remorse which will not leave you with a smile on your face by the end of it. The songs consist of broken relationships, shattered families and track 3 'Watch The World' was written in the wake of 9/11.

There are a few gems on the record, but then a few fillers.
The first song 'I Feel So' which, co-incidently is also the first single, make you want to shout at the world for being so 'mean'. It has an oddly placed piano intro which works with the song, but the song could survive without it.

My favourite song by far is 'Cat Like Thief' featuring Tim Armstong (Rancid, The Transplants - another side project from Travis). It has a catchy drum groove which you cant help but tap along to, with a simple guitar riff to match. Tim's raspy, deep vocals work so well with the lyrics and also with Tom's voice. The contrast works and together with different vocals layering on top of one another makes it one of the best on the album.

'Elevator' feat. Mark Hoppus (blink-182's bassist) would not be misplaced on blink's latest album.

'Watch The World' and 'There Is' are also good solid songs.

To put a lid on the album, the last track is labled 'Instrumental' and does exactly what it says on the tin. With bells and chimes, going into guitars its not exactly what you would call a classic rock piece, but it suits the mood of the album and gives it a remarkable ending to a great CD.

The whole album is a must have for any blink fan, and if you're new to this sort of music then I advise getting it. It's a CD I've had for many years (3 since it came out =P) and it never gets boring.

X

Oh, and as a footnote. You get a cool little poster from the CD cover!!!