Review:

on 2012-07-12 gutterseed Said:

I happen to be a fan of Blink 182. I think Travis Barker is an outstanding drummer. This album has it's up and down. I think it's a lot angrier than Blink albums which is refreshing and also a little less goofy. I guess the guys in the band are starting to expand. It's still the classic Blink in a way though, songs like '"let's start over" still deal with the classic Blink 182 breakup song and the pain of losing someone you love. That said, I've always admired the "wear your heart on your sleeve" lyriciscm.
I'd have never heard of Boxcar Racer had it not been for spotify radio. The album has grown on me and it's a must own if you like Barker's work. It's upbeat but still has that Blink feel to it. It's also a nice break from songs like "what's my age again". I'm not knocking any Blink songs, but I am totally shocked by Boxcar, just as shocked as I was when I saw the Transplants live.
Spotify claims that If you took the Replacements and D.R.I and combined them, you'd have this band. I don't necessarily agree with that, but it's an interesting combo. I don't see the replacements or in any of this album, but I do see where spotify might jump to the conclusion of DRI influcences with "My first punk song".
I see riffs that remind me of Coldplay (sped of a bit, but nevertheless they're back).
All in all the band is Blink, but it's a great side project. Side projects are always fun because it takes a band you're a fan of and lets it go in a different direction. I also like the change of pace in terms of lyrical content. The drum intro on the song "there is" is a great song.
Still, there's traces of Blink influences in the lyrics. Obviously the writers are still stuck on the teenage love, or maybe adults still worry about that there are people out there who feel just like them. Blink definately went a different direction with this sideproject. A few of my favorite songs on the album are "Letter's to go"; I dig the song "elevator"; "cat like theif", as well as " My first punk song."'
I still think they sound "poppy" but they've definately moved in a different direction. The album grows on you and is a must own for any Blink fan.
Rating: 10/10