|
This is what Factory 81 was striving for on Mankind; a blend
of rage metal and Eastern mysticism. But Boy Hits Car does
it so well, you would think the two major influences were
inseparable. While these bands will both appeal to the same
audience, the experience and influences of BHC puts them at
the advantage. I'll come under fire for this after all the
bitching I did about AFI, but singer Cregg has a voice in
the higher register, but it is in no way annoying! How does
he do that? And why doesn't anyone have a surname anymore?
The tensions addressed here are external. The band functions
as a like-minded unit.
Winding simplicity with complexity makes Boy Hits Car pleasurable.
"Rebirth" is an insightful and inciteful tune with
killer drumming. The album thread is introduced here urging
the listener to make use of the time available. "Pushing
outwards from our swollen hearts its time to fuse ourselves
with love." Smart sexual overtones and singable chorus
with enough energy to stage dive. "Lovecore" sees
more textures in the pulled delivery. While the imagery shines
in "As I Watch The Sun Fuck The Ocean" tabla, sitar
and acoustic guitars meld into the electric assault. The tricky
dynamics of "I'm a Cloud" are an example of the
maturity of this band. Building slowly, it's the exactly the
point of anticipation for a scream when Cregg suddenly whispers.
Then the shout puts you on the floor. The powered up guitars
dance around the vocal line. Clean production and well thought
arrangements." If we fall into our center we will become
free. I myself could use a little clarity" The delicate
beginnings of "Man Without Skin" can't hold long,
as the song yearns to lash out. Another great verbal painting,
it recalls Human Drama minus the pretense in desperation and
release.
The play between the guitars and vocals work to increase
the solid "A Letter From Prison." The band seems
to know each other well enough to anticipate the next move.
Cregg's outbursts are intriguing. His voice is expressive
at any velocity. Similarly, "Unheard" shows the
sense of the guitar lines. These guys are doing a great job
of laying a foundation. This frees the singer to read a Sufist
riddle," What was on the other side of the flowing blue
curtain? You're most alive before you died." The rant
on "Going To India" is so fast and well done, it
transcends the genre of metal rap into a delivery that suits
the mystic surroundings of the song. This is the best use
of sitar since "Hooked On A Feeling" and easily
the best song on the record. Close your eyes on this one and
imagine a shimmering sunset casting light on the temple.
Turning "Inward", more pain is revealed "So
let your flesh devour our dead skin leaving us fresh and free
from old sin." Maybe this is my favorite, I don't want
to decide yet. Gentle snare rolls bridge the gap of vulnerable
singing and soaring power chords. "Benkei" knows
something you don't with its diddy-mau riffs. Its sentimental
agony declares, " I love you more now that you're gone."
Take that as regret or insult, it cuts both ways. No compromise
in the band, everyone is trying to outdo the other, making
us the winner. "Before We Die" completes the cycle
started. The most poetic song asks, "So where are you,
oh my listless one? Are you still there writhing in what is
gone? Because If we don't go within then we may go without."
OK, this is my favorite. Jimmy Iovine wishes he wrote this
one. The beautiful crashing instrumentation knows exactly
where it is going and what it hopes to accomplish. Unexpected
flute, and independent sitar again.
Whether they make it the long haul, or disintegrate after
the debut, Boy Hits Car is in the same caliber as Tool while
other bands in this genre will be remembered with the same
reverence as Krokus.
— Ewan Wadharmi
Track Listing:
1. Rebirth, The
2. Lovecore (Welcome To)
3. As I Watch The Sun Fuck The Ocean
4. I'm A Cloud
5. Man Without Skin
6. A Letter From Prison
7. Unheard
8. Going To India
9. Turning Inward
10. Benkei
11. Before We Die
|
