EP Review: Bloxx - 'Pop Culture Radio'
Bloxx’s ‘Pop Culture Radio’ is here to be heard. Entering a new era with four unapologetically authentic anthems that boast the bands’ growth over the last year, they’ve followed up from earlier released single ‘Everything I’ve Ever Learned’ perfectly.
A powerful yet dreamy blend of guitars kick start the EP, with ‘Everything I’ve Ever Learned’ being the first song to feature. A song that explores navigating through life and its many obstacles, inspired by lead singer Fee Booth’s health scares and anxiety over the last two years, it’s addictively catchy through its clever melodies and honest lyricism. Carefree and cathartic, it brings that feeling to life through the explosiveness of the chorus, a theme that can be seen throughout.
Second on the EP is ‘Magnet,’ which Booth says features the best bass riff she ever wrote. ‘’Magnet is a bit of a juxtaposition,’’ she explains. ‘’It tackles both the opposite attraction of magnets, and the way the same two poles will repel against each other. It’s about being always ‘’pulled’’ apart by someone and the way you clash, but always want to keep trying.’’ Bass and percussion drive the song, from the beginning riff all the way to another booming chorus, the build-up is seamless and makes ‘Magnets’ definitely one to belt out in the car whilst there’s still some summer left. It is then followed by the instantaneously groovy ‘Pop Culture Radio’.
Each song on the EP, should it be through lyrics or the warmth of each instrument married together, radiate a refreshing youthfulness; As if each song was freeing to write and release into the world, although all anthemic in their own way, they carry a sort of lightness that makes them comforting and compelling to listen to.
‘Emily,’ may be the final song, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to slow things down - upbeat from the get-go, the song flaunts clever writing and rhymes. The warm tones of Booth’s vocals convey very much coming of age vibes, and perfectly sit on top of the track’s jangly guitars.
Undeniably not something you can listen to only once, ‘Pop Culture Radio’ is a fun and creative release from four-piece Bloxx. A kindred sound running through all songs, yet they’ve still managed to make them each their own and will no doubt thrive when it comes to playing them at festivals later this year.
Words by Emily McIntyre