12 February 2015 (gig)
16 February 2015
It was a packed out Electrowerkz that saw Boxed In showcase their self-titled album for the first time to a London crowd.
Currently garnering much praise on 6 Music it seemed like a good time to catch main man Oli Bayston debut his new project. He was previously in Manchester band Keith, which I’d had the pleasure of witnessing just up the road at Islington Academy a few years previously.
Opening up with the gentle piano riff, ‘Run Quicker’ the four-piece quickly got into their stride. Compared to his previous band, the music has a more electronic feel, with a driving bass pushing things forward. There's an effortless quality to the set, the machine gliding effortlessly onwards.
Sitting behind his piano Bayston looks quietly confident with the set up, a small smile forming on his lips as the song comes to its natural crescendo. Simple riffs, understated vocals, and cool percussion; the band lose themselves head-nodding in time, having struck on an electronic shoegazing equivalent.
“We’re gonna play the entire album for you tonight for the first time” says Bayston “lets hope we make it through to the end.”
‘No Joke’ follows and the chilled vibe spreads to every corner of the room, reminiscent of a laid back Hot Chip. The infectious single ‘Foot Of The Hill’ gets things simmering, as the uncomplicated melodies are easily absorbed. Every song on the album has its moment including ‘Lo Life’ which sees Anita Blah (formerly of cocknbullkid) taking to the stage on vocals for this joint Bayston/Blah composition. ‘All Your Love Is Gone’ and ‘False Alarm’ close the night’s album play through to much applause.
If piano soaked dance-pop rhythms tick your indie box then go check them out, personally I’ll definitely be back.
Oli Bayston (vocals, keyboards), Liam Hutton (drums), Mark Nicholls (bass). Oli Bayston, Jack Benfield (guitars, keyboards, percussion)
