Electronic music is not something I really ever saw myself
getting into because for some stupid reason, I didn’t think I would find
anything of myself in it. I was so incredibly wrong. Over the last couple
years, I have discovered amazing artists like Lotus and Escaper who truly
changed my perceptions about what electronic music actually could be. I
remember Disc Jam this year and standing near the hospitality tent while Lotus
played. Me and four or five other people who had never met found ourselves, mid-conversation,
just slowly morphing into a giggling impromptu dance party. It was one of those
magical moments where you have to stop and enjoy being alive really consciously
for a minute because in that minute, it was pure joy brought on by a shared
love of music. I’ll never forget that moment.
Since discovering those artists, my playlists on Spotify
have been being dotted with other artists that the machines there think I might
like. One of those mind changing tracks was a song called Dungeons by BoomBox.
It just showed up in my suggested playlist one day and from one listen, I was
hooked. The song had a deep soul that was undeniable while still being
danceable. I dabbled a bit into the rest of the BoomBox catalog, but I have
been simply addicted to this song ever since. The other day, I decided to delve
deeper. Coincidently, I decided to do this the day their new record, Western
Voodoo, was released. Sometimes the universe gives you what you need right when
you need it. I have been stuck on this record since then.
The first track, Castles, immediately pulled me in. It has
that same deep bass infused soul that hooked me with Dungeons months ago. The
vocals come in smooth sleek and add to that overall sexiness that the track
has. It’s that body moving, graceful psychedelia that hypnotizes you while it slowly
pulls you deep into another world. I absolutely love this song. I think what I
like the most about the music that BoomBox is creating is that while
electronic, it still has really lovely vocal work. I love vocals. Pull me in
with vocals, and you have me forever. What BoomBox has created is a deeper kind
of electronic music that you can sing while you dance. I’m curious as hell now
to see them live.
The track Selling Fun is more of that deep bass groove but
picks up that tempo a bit with a cantering beat and slick vocals. I dig where
this song goes. Restless Too is another great track with a rainy feel and calming
presence with some light guitar sound and steady beat. There is something so
incredibly peaceful in the sound and the vibe that BoomBox creates with this album.
It’s like low dose Xanax for your ears that makes you want to dance. That’s the best way I can put it. I’m in love
with the sound. It takes your hand gently and leads you to soft colors and the smoothest
feels but you can’t stop your body from moving so you dance your way there. Easy Operator is another track I dig with its
slow jam feel and synthesized backdrop. I don’t know how anyone could listen to
this album and stay still because I am in a constant sway. I’m in love. I
Trouble is another favorite of mine. The overall vibe so incredibly sensual
with vocals that seem to almost lick over the beat with soft echo effects and
slight changes.
BoomBox is the mastery of multi-instrumentalist Zion Rock
Godchaux. He refers to his special blend as “Dirty Disco Blues” and I don’t
think anyone could have come up with a better explanation of his unique sound.
It’s based in dance beats but goes so much deeper. I think what turned me off
from a lot of very commercial dance music for so many years was how shallow and
thin it felt. I never felt like I could find a place within its sound to
connect. What has been created in BoomBox is something very different. It’s a sound
that has so many places that I found I could connect. It’s a dance vibe that goes
deep within you. It has layers and complexities. It finds you in a vulnerable moment and
lifts your soul with soft hands while moving your hips. There is something incredibly special in what is created here.
All in all, there is so much to love in Western Voodoo. I
recommend strongly checking it out, even if you think it might not be your
exact flavor. What I can assure you is that it’s nothing you think, I can promise you that. Listen and feel it
pulse through you. You can get your greedy little paws on these awesome sounds right HERE and I implore you to do so ASAP.
BoomBox has tour dates posted into January on their website which you can check out right HERE. I'm a bit bummed because there is nothing posted for the NY/NJ area so it looks like I'll be hoping for some local dates come late winter/early spring. (hint hint!) I really want to experience this live. As soon as there is a local date, I will be hoping to see you there! We will have an impromptu dance party!
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