Soapbox Army

Posted by Joey

THE SKINNY: Soapbox Army wields a sophisticated debut release, containing great production and an interesting array of unique songs that should appeal to the pop / indie / alternative rock crowd.

WEBSITE: http://soapboxarmy.com
MYSPACE: http://myspace.com/soapboxarmy
PURCHASE: iTunes, CDBaby

Soapbox Army requires more than one listen to get to know at any length. I thought they were a solo acoustic act before listening to their self-titled album in full. It quickly became clear that their instrumentation was far more sophisticated than one guitar.

They're most commonly publicized track, "The Tower" reminds me of Death cab's Plans album. It has that Rhodes and pulsing, repetitive drum beat, which is incredibly addictive. Most of the instrumentation on the record is like this: Highly rythymic, cutting grooves by the band which is comprised of Dan Tucker (Guitar & Vox), Dustin Brayley (Rhythm Guitar, Backup Vox), Walt Kresa (Bass), Kevin Wolkober (Keys & Effects), Rick Torres (Drums). Each song's instrumentation is as hypnotizing as the last's, thanks to the incredible backing music which continually nods to some of Radiohead's stuff. Listen to "House on the Moon."

"House on the Moon" by Soapbox Army

Vocally, Dan tucker's singing isn't my favorite, though there are some beautiful tonal moments on the record. His melodies, however, are quite nice, scoring each song some character and listenability points. I get a heavy smack of Goo Goo Dolls from Tucker's tone, and "Sleepwalkers" on the record is a perfect example of it.

Mostly, this album is successful because of the very loved nature of it. The tracks sound cared for, not rushed, and accomplished. So, while there are pieces that don't appeal to me stylistically, I can take solace in that the group released a piece of art they put themselves into, making an otherwise non-fan an appreciator, nonetheless.

"The Tower" by Soapbox Army

FAVORITE TRACK: "House on the Moon"
FOR FANS OF:Goo Goo Dolls, Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie