Unless you've been at the back of the class not paying attention, you'll notice that the new album from New Jersey indie/pop band Boxed Wine is called 'Cheap, Fun', the very same name as an EP they released earlier this year. But fear not, the quartet aren't fobbing us off by adding some extra songs and repackaging the EP an an album to give the cash cow a damn good milking. Only one track, 'Dayglow (Why Can't We Stay)', survives from that release. We remarked at the time that there could perhaps be no better title for music of this nature than 'Cheap, Fun', and it seems the band agree.
Firstly, to enjoy this album for the, well, cheap fun that it is, you'll need to take off your inhibitions, and leave them safely in a locker in the changing room before entering. Boxed Wine aren't cool, they won't have muso chin-strokers contemplating their lyrics and hidden concepts within the record, This is an album that lives up to its name. Cheap could be misinterpreted as tacky, but that's not the case, and for all we know it could have been a costly album to make, but the music here isn't taxing and it isn't difficult or challenging, so in that respect the word fits. A track-by-track rundown of 'Cheap, Fun' is pretty worthless; all songs are the same make and model, and they're all perfect for summer party time.
With simple catchy riffs that sound like The Strokes younger brothers, boundless energy throughout and itchy beats that are made to prevent your feet from staying still, Boxed Wine have made the perfect album for when you don't want vacuous pop or intense, uncommercial sounds; it's the perfect record for keeping everyone happy. The melodies are light and contagious, the songs are short, snappy and well made, and the album doesn't let up from start to finish. Best tracks? Pfff.. who cares, they're all a heaps of fun, so just stick the record on and enjoy yourselves. That's the whole point of Boxed Wine and they deserve credit for making such a consistent and universal set of songs.
Boxed Wine's website
Stream or download the album
Catch them live:
Aug 16 The Bitter End, New York, NY
Aug 31 Arlene's Grocery, New York, NY
Sep 14 Muchmore's, Brooklyn, NY
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