I started following Bloxx all the way back in 2017 when they only had 4 songs released, and their cover art still had a consistent hand drawn look to it. Flash forward 3 years, and I finally have an album to enjoy. Over the years I had seen their sound evolve and develop. This made me eager to hear how they would use this evolution to their advantage on their first full album.
Album Run Through
The album ensures it kicks off strongly by using its four singles to their full effect. First of which is album title track “Lie Out Loud“. The track is a hyper opener. The listener is thrown into a thundering mix of guitars drums and intensely delivered lyrics. It makes you move from the get go.
Next is “Coming Up Short“. A slight fall in tempo makes for a more developed track. The chorus ensures the album keeps up its energetic opening, providing a beat that you cannot stop bopping along to.
“Go Out With You” was the first single released from the album, coming out last year. It features band lead Fee’s distinctive lyrical style. This makes the song feel purposeful and the words feel authentic. The song wastes no space filling its 3 minutes with a never ending supply of pop rock goodness.
On my first listen to the album, “5000 Miles” was the song that stood out to me. Now several listens in, it’s still the one that I can’t praise enough. The verses build the beat up and feature very personal lyrics. This then explodes in the chorus. The chorus is electric. Roaring guitars lead in with Fee’s words being yelled with every force of emotion she can muster. What results is just a brilliant track that I cant wait to experience live.
The following 2 tracks add some new styles and sounds to the album. “Thinking About Yourself” has extremely heavy distorted guitar work. This gives it a hard rock and grungy feel. “Off My Mind” embraces the pop sounds that the band often use to compliment their guitar driven music. It’s an upbeat track, and another off the album that just makes you want to move.
As a huge fan of the Bloxx song “Curtains”, the first thing that stuck out to me about “Give Me The Keys” was the recognisable guitar strum in the chorus. Moving past this, the track is a great example of self reflection. The lyrics expertly craft the torn emotions of the lead singer and the curtains-esc guitar stabs compliment this confusion amazingly.
“Hey Jenny” is a song I had to do a little digging into to find the story behind. According to the song’s writer Fee, its about the fictional character Jenny Schecter from TV series The L Word. This makes the song a really interesting one to listen to as it deals with the emotions one feels towards a person who you will never meet, or may not really exist.
Next two tracks ” Changes” and “It Wont Work Out” keep consistent with the vibe of the album. The first song is pleasant and charming. It works well to slow the album down a bit and display the diverse range the band has. The latter is classic Bloxx, it displays all of their strengths brilliantly with a catchy beat, bouncy chorus and passionately delivered lyrics.
“What You Need” is a much needed piece of vulnerability for the album. It’s a refreshing break from the wild and energetic tracks before it. Its a simply constructed song and that works as its credit. The words are emphasised and the emotion can truly be felt throughout.
Album closer “Swimming” instantly re-energises the album ensuring that it finishes as it starts. It has an addictive whining guitar riff and great thumping drumming. It leads into a well structured middle eight that allows the final chorus of the album to build and erupt.
Overall Review and Score
Bloxx have very cleverly tapped into the popular scene without forgetting who they are. Every song has the bands unique flair to stand it out from the crowd. There is enough variety to keep the album interesting, but also enough pop rock brilliance for it to appeal to lots of people. The album is incredibly lively making it a top party record.
I’ve come a long way with Bloxx and its amazing to finally see them release a full album. Songs like “Curtains” and “You” were what first sold me on the band. I’m glad that 3 years later they haven’t ditched that sound, and have stayed true to their individuality. I cannot wait to see this new album played live at their Manchester Academy gig in April.
Rating: 7/10
Top 3 Songs:
1. 5000 Miles
2. Lie Out Loud
3. Give Me The Keys
