BLOXX - MODERN DAY
Three years on from their debut album, Lie Out Loud (and two years on from its follow-up, Pop Culture Radio), BLOXX returns with Modern Day. It might only contain 5 tracks but the EP remains loyal to the quartet’s pop-rock roots whilst not shying away from engaging with the world and things going on in it.
The EP bursts into life with its title track, ‘Modern Day,’ a slow-burn of a song that gradually builds into a soaring, satisfying opener. We are then thrown straight into another guitar heavy song (and previous single) ‘Television Promises,’ a song soaked in captivating riffs whilst engaging with the fact that the reality of life doesn’t always match up to what we see on our screens. Whilst the track might, as the band told Dork, be inspired by lockdown there’s a real sense of fun in this track (and the idea of putting up a metaphorical finger to the so-called perfection we see on our screens).
Taking the EP in a different direction, though still rooted in pop sound, comes ‘Runaway’. Based on a dream (and a song that never came to fruition), there’s a melodic, dream-like feel to the track. There’s a serious tone to a lot of the Uxbridge outfit’s discography, so it is interesting for the listener to hear a more fun track that truly communicates the sense of joy artists feel getting their music out to listeners.
Penultimate track ‘Weight In Gold’ takes words uttered during heartbreak and plunges them into a song that is full of optimism and catchy instrumentals, it’s the kind of music I’m sure would go down a treat during festival season.
Drawing the EP to a close is ‘Happy Anniversary (To Being Lonely)’. Once again a showcase of their sophisticated blend of pop and rock sounds, the track - ironically given its title - features silky vocal harmonies which are sure to grab the listener’s interest.
It might be short but the latest from the quartet is still pretty sweet. BLOXX captures the attention of fans and new listeners with this EP, which is hopefully a sign that there’s more to come from the band in future.
Jen Rose
★★★★☆