Boxing Clever - Farse > Reviews > This is definately NOT a Farse.

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 rate alongside the competition	Good
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Almost every song could be a single on its own .
Disadvantages:	May become repetative if your not a big fan .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Farse – Boxing clever….

Basic Band and Background Info…

Farse are a Ska/Punk/Rock-Pop band from Birmingham. There were five members, Ollie, Ade, Tom, Dan and Chris. The band released a number of demos, and 2 full length albums. Boxing Clever was released in 2003 on Moon Ska Records. This was their final full length album before their split in 2004.

Members.

Ollie - Vocals.
Ade - Guitar.
Tom - Guitar.
Chris - Bass.
Dan - Drums.

Discography…

1 - When The Laughter Stops
2 - Hopskotch
3 - Broken Record
4 - Wishful Thinking
5 - Memories Of Now
6 - Once Was A Rose
7 - Seconds Out
8 - Superficial Guy
9 - Eggs Is Eggs
10 - Wither
11 - Cigarette Through Polystyrene
12 - Chip Mammy
13 - The Silence

This memorable album is the second, and last full length album to be created by the band/ Boxing clever incorporates a wide range of genres, ranging from the obvious ska and punk, to heavier genres such as emo, and metal.

My many Favorites…

When the Laughter Stops… Kicks of the album with a catchy guitar intro, turning in to one of the happiest danceable songs on the album, guaranteed to make anyone skank like crazy!

Hopskotch… is a personal favorite of mine, I first heard this in my local alternative club, and the whole room went totally crazy. It was because of this song that I began to listen to Farse! The song combines a mix of fast ska punk with just a touch of heavier thrashy guitar music in the chorus. I totally love the mix of music, but even more so I love the rolling lyrics, which you can never quite get. The lyrics to this song are occasionally changes when they are sung live, creating a new experience each time!

Broken Record… is another strong track defining the diverse range of music Farse are able to play, it incorporates ska, with heavy guitar riffs, stopping the song sounding like another bouncy Less Than Jake track.

Wishful Thinking… is another personal favorite of mine. I love Ollie’s vocals, shouting and spitting out the chorus to accompany powerful guitar riffs. This song highlights Farse’s rocky angry side.

Memories of Now… Has a real Mad Caddies feel to it (although obviously with out the brass), another personal favorite of mine, so I totally love this song!

Once Was A Rose… I found this really surprised me, especially to be coming from Farse, all the edge and anger and happy danciness is taken out, making a far slower track. Although this is not Farse’s usual style it really works, and gives you a break from the rest of this fast passed album.

Seconds Out… Reggae and Rock collaborate here, I can never decide whether to feel mellow or enraged!

Eggs is Eggs… is a fast paced ska track, it is very dancy and is sure to get every one skanking along. This track has a far friendlier feel to it in comparison to tracks such as When the Laughter Stops.

Cigarette Through Polystyrene… is an awesome driving song, it is far heavier than some of the other ska based tracks… e.g. eggs is eggs. When this song is played live it is sure to get every one dancing along, and create one huge pit, it has an amazing atmosphere to it!

Those which just never really impressed me…

Chip Mammy, Superficial Guy, The Silence, and Wither (…which does just that).

None of these tracks have the power or feeling that that the others do. I don’t know whether this is just my opinion or every one else’s too? It feels like I’m waiting for something big to happen that never quite manages to arrive.

Surprises…

This definitely goes to … Once Was a Rose, This track definitely surprised me when I first heard it, but it has grown on me and become a definite favorite for me.

Farse might be less bouncy and feel good than most ska bands, e.g. Less Than Jake, yet I love them so much because they still manage to make you want to dance!

This album is so diverse and is sure to appeal to ska/punk/ rock fans alike. Although they cover a wide range of genres they are still superb at combining those.

This is Farse’s most adventurous album, and although it was their last, in my opinion it is definitely their best! Farse definitely ended on a very high note.