The Thousands

It’s difficult for a young band that is clearly influenced by heavyweight contemporaries to shake off those influences, as they form a large part of their discernible identity. Nor is it a given that they will choose to drop them, seeing as it’s often all people have to go by. So Box Elder falls pretty firmly on the less approachable side of the indie fence. Their debut EP, Rewind the Fall, reminds the listener of bands like Deerhunter, Liars, and a liberal helping of EVOL-era Sonic Youth.

The usual studio tricks are present, with the three guitars contributing to a layered, shimmering sound. However, what sets these young guys apart is their earnestness and lack of cynicism. Patrick Lockwood does the whole reverb-y ennui thing with aplomb, but doesn’t sound grim doing it. He sounds young, and most unlike Bradford Cox. Which, considering he is both of these things, works pretty well.

Rewind the Fall is Box Elders first budding step, and if they keep offering up more songs like ‘Microdots’, it’ll be worthwhile.