Candlewood 230 - Box of Trash

By Daffs aka @TwoDaff

Box of Trash release their long-awaited debut album Candlewood 230 on March 31st 2023. Before we get into the nuts and bolts of it let me give you a bit about the band. They initially started off as a side project by Lyle Kennedy (Vocals/ Song Writer) and Barry Fisher (Lead Guitar/ Song Writer), then Jordan McKee (Drums) came along, followed by Aiden Davidson (Bass) to complete the line-up.

They decided to give it a real go in 2021 when Third Fire Records offered them a recording contract, this gave the band the unreal opportunity to head over to Chicago in the USA to record. They released their debut single ‘Here and Now’ on Friday 11th November 2022 followed by ‘Hypnotised’ and then the brilliant ‘Spaceman' early in 2023. Now the band seek to explore whatever opportunities arise from the releases and grow their fanbase, the new debut album is sure to help the cause.

This 10-track debut release from the Ayrshire based band was produced and released on Third fire Records (Chicago). The album came about through a lockdown project that turned into a permanent musical fixture when Third fire Records heard their demo track ‘Spaceman’ and from there their journey to Chicago to record the debut album began.

According to the band

“The album theme is alien invasions, aliens with thunderous drums and smooth bass grooves met with an almost glam rock guitar sound. Lyle’s abduction, interplanetary travelling, time travelling and mind bending realities, all to realise you’re still lying in bed in the same town and it was all a dream. We have created 10 tracks that take you on a journey and we hope it will leave you wanting more.”

A whirlwind of melodies and riffs, backed with trashy undertones

So, let’s dive in…

Up first is their previously released track ‘Spaceman’ a track I previously reviewed HERE…suffice to say it is a whirlwind of melodies and riffs, backed with trashy undertones, thunderous drums and big dirty riffs. I will say no more as you can read the full review at the link above.

"No one gets out"

Up next is ‘Panic Stations’ Opening with a haunting, atmospheric swirling guitar and a grooving drum beat, you do get that feeling of anxiety, fear, there’s an air of foreboding. Then the real panic sets in with a driving dirty riff as Lyle states "No one gets out" its dark and dirty and you really get that feeling of panic from the way its delivered.

Its fuzzed up and well... just filthy!

The third track is ‘Nothing Surprises Me’ Guitar’s shimmer and swirl in this one, it has a bit of a Doors feel to it, until the chorus kicks in and hits you with a thump before reverting back to a more chilled out vibe for the verses. Packed with intricate little melodies and those guitars shine. The track picks up pace and we are treated to a big dirty solo that screams and soars, its fuzzed up and well... just filthy.

A rich tapestry of hushed drums, a resonating bass and chiming guitar riffs

Next, we have another previous release ‘Hypnotised’ followed by ‘Give me Something’ For me this track is sublime, it has a rich tapestry of hushed drums, a resonating bass and chiming guitar riffs and hooks that intertwine giving a heady infusion of melodies that ring around your head. The vocalis tremendous and then…a thunderbolt of heavy distorted guitars pummel the eardrums hints of zeppelin maybe? Its short lived as we drop off back into a dream stated again. I love the way that you drift off on the verses before getting rudely awakened by the heavy, dirty choruses that interject and give your head a shake.

A big sound that needs to be turned up to the max

'Up in the Clouds' is downright dirty, glammed up rock n roll, big guitars, big vocals and thundering drums, full of intricacies in the guitar parts, something that you start to notice with this band, they know their shit! Next up on this journey and believe me it is a journey. Is ‘Nicole Minet’ another barnstormer, screaming lead guitars create a template for Lyle’s vocal which as always is on the money, it’s a big sound that needs to be turned up to the max. The more you listen to this album the more you want, every track is unique, there’s a real vibe going on with this album, and this track is no different, its glorious.

A real vibe going on with this album

'Falling Down' see’s a change in feeling, it has a bit of a sixties groove, the addition of a bit of sax adds to the flavour, it gives you a chance to catch your breath, reflect and just enjoy. It highlights the skill the band have to change things up without taking away the Box of trash ethos…yes it still has the ‘Trashiness’ bolstered by the trademark dirty guitars.

Climbing riffs sparkle and shine

'Here and Now' is next, opening with a melodic chiming guitar reminiscent of the classic 90’s Britpop era before a solid pounding drum beat kicks in, upping the tempo, this drives the track throughout along with a punchy, resonating bass line. A canvas for the rest of the band to paint their picture. The vocal is strong and punches through the instrumental delivering psychedelic lyrics taking you on a journey “'Strangely I faintly hear the sounds, of a thousand and one trumpets thundering to the ground” Its classic brit rock fused with psychedelia and blends perfectly. Packed full of melodic, soaring guitar riffs and lead licks which emphasise the vocal further. Climbing riffs sparkle and shine adding texture and colour with a brightness that shimmers throughout. They swirl and intertwine with the vocal.

Traditional Box of Trash vibes here, no messing about.

Finally, 'Bedroom Saturdays' completes the album and brings us to the journeys end, and what a journey, it’s the rude awakening from the dream that this album delivers. Traditional Box of Trash vibes here, no messing about.

A contender for album of the year

This album is immense, there is a real swagger, full of hard-hitting melodies, intense drums, punchy bass lines and don’t forget the fantastic vocal on all tracks. It’s a complete wall of sound, every note, every vocal every beat is delivered with precision, to say the album takes you on a journey is an understatement, you really get lost in it. One minute you are drifting off into a dream like state the next you are up, wide awake and wondering what the hell hit you. You get hits of Doors like intricacies blended with Zeppelin=esque punch delivered with the Box of Trash energy. Its Glammed up indie rock n roll with all the sentiment of bygone classic rock psychedelia. For me this is a contender for album of the year without a doubt and don't forget its a debut!