Music • Zox’s
album “The Wait” gives
listeners a clean blend of ska and
punk music. Armo Records
Zox offers generic blend of ska, punk
By
Kyle Cavaness
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
Since scientists decided sound was best displayed in waves, the two have been
practically inseparable. Waves of music “wash” over the listener,
bands create a “tidal wave” of sound, powerful music attacks with “hurricane” force.
Styles of music have fallen victim to the oceanic trend as well—popular ’80s
music is described as New Wave, and the second and third waves of ska have
come and gone, each with their own distinctive sounds and styles.
Zox “The Wait” seems to be lost in the surf of previous styles,
without breaking any new ground. Its mix of ska and pop-punk, with good, old-fashioned
rock balladry, washes up a good, though ultimately forgettable listening experience.
At its best moments, “The Wait””provides a clean, PG-rated
version of Sublime—the type of band you would play for your little sister
after she gets over boy bands but before she buys a CD with a warning label
on it. The music is strong, bright and crisp. Zox owes mixer Mitch Easter a
medal for providing them with a sound that highlights their talents perfectly.
The rhythm section benefits most from the recording, bassist Dan Edinberg and
drummer John Zox are given the spotlight they deserve, both in the sound of
the record and the songwriting.
Often, the rhythm section saves what could be a mediocre song from obscurity.
Eli Miller’s vocals and guitar work are strictly by-the-book. However,
this doesn’t mean Miller should be underestimated. Both his guitar skills
and vocals are well suited to the band’s musical stylings. They couldn’t
be more straightforward with a set of blueprints and a ball peen hammer. As
the sole guitarist and lead vocalist, Miller’s instrumentation often
takes a backseat to Spencer
Swain’s violin, but this often proves to be a benefit. Swain’s
additions to the songs provide textures that are not usually found in Zox’s
ska-punk style. Several times on “The Wait,” the violin takes the
place of the usual horn parts, with interesting and usually pleasing results.
If the album suffers from any particular weakness, it is their predictability.
Though the songs are well-written and well-played, “The Wait” breaks
no new ground, leaving the band spinning their wheels through terrain already
paved by bands like Reel Big Fish and New Found Glory. Plus, the pop-punk “wave” has
already peaked and rolled back.
Also, Miller’s lyrics do not always measure up to the power of the band’s
instrumental work,’making the music sound more predictable than it already
does. “Carolyn,” one of several ballads, ends with “Sometimes
love can be so lonely/Sometimes love leaves you alone.” The lyrics are
cliche enough to please your younger sister but do not offer any new advice
in the battle of the sexes.
Zox “The Wait” may belong in your CD player, but only if it suits
your personal tastes and only under the right circumstances. At the best of
times, it compares with the best of the ska-punk genre; at the worst of times,
they are the house band no one notices in the corner of your friend’s
backyard birthday party.
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