Boy In Static, the San Francisco duo of Alexander Chen and Kenji Ross, is set to release a new album, Candy Cigarette, in March. Before I get to some info about the album, let’s talk history. Chen’s small demo album was originally discovered in 2003 by The Notwist (one of my favorite bands), which is totally unsurprising, considering their music sounds identical at times. Chen then joined Ross in 2004 to make a live band and the two have been Boy In Static ever since.
Musically, Boy In Static appeals to those who love electronica with soft-spoken vocals, which achingly work their way toward a zenith but never fully get there on purpose. The electronica works to get deep into the souls of its listeners, at times overwhelming you in its melancholy, but keeping you focused on each song because of the outstanding melodic appeal. It’s like that glimmer of hope you have when you can see the light in your life but something dramatic happens and strips you bare when you least expect it. You might say, “Why the hell would I want to listen to music that makes me feel that way?” And I say, “Good question!” But you know what, sometimes its nice to feel vulnerable and stripped of your security. Your emotions become tangible, life becomes clear….and you realize you really need to shave. That goes for both sexes.
Anyway, here’s a snippet from their website, regarding Candy Cigarette: “In 2008, Chen and Ross returned to the studio with invigorated stage-trained vocal cords and a floor-stomping adrenaline born from months of touring. Recording was a variety show. Rickety 1960’s toy pianos danced alongside 1980’s synthesized drum machines. Precise viola arrangements swept over one-mic improvised drum takes. Intimate 1940’s crooning floated over grand orchestral layers. Studio guests included Marc Bianchi (Her Space Holiday), Liz Enthusiasm (Freezepop), and Ulrich Schnauss. The result was 10 new songs flaunting an equal love for sonic experimentation and the verse-chorus pop structure. Candy Cigarette is slated for release in March 2009 (Fake Four Inc & Circle Into Square).”
Check out these mp3s from their previous work:
Boy In Static – “Where It Ends” (from Violet)
Boy In Static – “Bellyfull” (from Newborn)
Boy In Static – “Newborn” (from Newborn)
Bonus mp3s:
[…] Anyway, here’s a snippet from their website, regarding Candy Cigarette: “In 2008, Chen and Ross returned to the studio with invigorated stage-trained vocal cords and a floor-stomping adrenaline born from months of touring. Recording was a variety show. Rickety 1960’s toy pianos danced alongside 1980’s synthesized drum machines. Precise viola arrangements swept over one-mic improvised drum takes. Intimate 1940’s crooning floated over grand orchestral layers. Studio guests included Marc Bianchi (Her Space Holiday), Liz Enthusiasm (Freezepop), and Ulrich Schnauss. The result was 10 new songs flaunting an equal love for sonic experimentation and the verse-chorus pop structure. Candy Cigarette is slated for release in March 2009 (Fake Four Inc & Circle Into Square).” knoxroad […]