 The
Torch Marauder
"Boxers, Painters and Snappers" CD
Pox
World Empire
Genres: cult rock, indie rock
Pox World Empire
1512 James St.
Durham NC 27707
Jul 26 - Aug 1 2004 |
Everyone likes to be silly, sometimes. Comedians like to be
silly. Actors like to be silly. And once and awhile - a
very, very rare while, I'll admit - musicians like to be silly! Such is the case with Mr. "The Torch Marauder,"
whose Boxers, Painters and Snappers album is now available from
the North Carolina based Pox World Empire label. This excitingly
elaborate compact disc contains twelve quirky, fun-filled songs.
The
band's enthusiasm is infectious, but can become tiresome after
repeated listens. I've listened to Boxers a number of
times now, but its lack of memorable hooks could prevent me from
bringing it out again in the future. Even with a nineteen-person
back-up band ("The Sometimes Lonely Musicians"), The
Torch Marauder relies a bit too much on funny lyrics and
instrumental wackiness to sustain the attention of most discriminating
music enthusiasts.
However, don't go thinking The Torch Marauder is a boring
musician. Some of his songs are quite enjoyable, in their own
way. "Where No One Is" intersperses gritty indie rock
with short bursts of squally, free jazz. "Within
Earshot," meanwhile, brandishes an exciting, Jon Spencer-esque
hipster-rock influence. On the other end of the spectrum,
"The Aging Wrestler" is a touching, cello-and-violin-led
tale of a professional ring warrior reaching the end of his
career. Highlights such as those previously mentioned are sure
to be enjoyed by open-minded listeners, so long as they can get over
the disc's staler numbers ("Windmills" and "Petty's
Right", for example). Boxers, Painters and Snappers
is a spirited, though occasionally non-engaging listen.
82%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 12 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2004] |
