Rating: NNN
On their enthusiastic second album, Boxer the Horse sound like they’re having the greatest time. The Prince Edward Island four-piece employ Stephen Malkmusesque casual vocal delivery and the loose, lo-fi sound for which the East Coast is quickly becoming known.
They sound like they (along with the rest of Generation Y) have been listening to plenty of 90s grunge (Rattle Your Cage almost lifts the Smashing Pumpkins’ “I’m just a rat in a cage” lyric – heard here as “just to rattle your cage”), but also new wave (Party Saturday), insouciant punk (Bridge To The U.S.A) and 80s jangle-pop (T. Rex, Karen Silkwood).
It’s an inspired, melodic melding of influences that doesn’t break new ground. The larger achievement is how well they’ve captured the messy vitality of youth.
Top track: T. Rex
Boxer the Horse play the Great Hall on Friday (April 13)
