Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream

Out of Madison, Wisconsin comes quartet The Box Social with their debut long player Get Going. The Box Social’s remarkable pop sensibilities and infectious guitar riffs make them a band that seems on the brink of indie stardom (that just seems funny to write). Despite Get Going being the band’s virgin release, their sound is surprisingly accessible and their vocals articulate. Most of the songs on this release don’t top the 3:20 mark, providing a collection of concise, direct tunes that drone on but don’t fall short.

Perhaps this seems like a point that may seem overdone, but the production qualities of Get Going are certainly impressive. The guitars and drums come across very crisp, while the bass is pronouncedly welcoming. It is obvious that this quartet has been playing with each other for some time, or at least their impeccable timing would imply so. Ultimately, Get Going is a fun record–it’s not going to break boundaries or somehow open your mind to some other wordly concept. But to expect that is foolish in the first place.

Grab a copy of Get Going. And courtesy of 4 Ohm Entertainment:

Listen to “Big T” (4.5/5)

Listen to “Hot Damn” (4.7/5)

Personal favorite: “Galoshes”–>they have a song named after galoshes!

Yes, the grammar doesn’t match up, but you probably figured that out by now. Yes, this duo of M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel is a lot more Deschanel than it is Matthew Ward. But neither of these are really any indication that She & Him’s debut Volume One is not a pop-folk gem.

M. Ward takes the role of musician and harmonizer more than lead singer-songwriter, while Deschanel enchanting vocals synchronize perfectly. Volume One is a captivating mixture of romantic bluesy-folk and unabashed cheery 70s pop. Deschanel’s range is remarkably wide, offering these collection of songs a certain depth and texture. These songs don’t come across as overproduced nor do they sound lo-fi, but there is a particular organic sound to the album. The slow riding “You Really Got a Hold On Me” is wonderfully contrasted with the optimistic “Sweet Darlin’ ” and the dynamic, progressive “This is Not a Test” really grant She & Him an indescribably charm.

Grab a copy of She & Him’s Volume One (cheap!)

Listen to “Sweet Darlin’” (4.9/5)

Listen to “This is Not a Test” (4.8/5)