Red Box was a very difficult band to classify. They came out in the early 80s, along with a plethora of new romantic/new wave bands, and they seemed somewhat attached to that movement, but in reality, Red Box was always doing their own thing. In 1984, the single “Chenko” showed up, and instantly gained a following, it was followed by “For America,” and then the album “The Circle and the Square,” showed up in 1986. “Chenko” once again became a single in 1987, and this time, it really made history. That’s how Red Box did it.
This set focuses on band’s original run which ended in 1990, they since reformed in 2010 and continue to this day. There are 4 CDs in this box, and they include the above-mentioned debut album, the follow up, “The Motive,” a disc of remixes, and a disc of demos. All in all, this is as comprehensive as it can get when it comes to Red Box recording from the early part of their career. In addition, there is a great booklet explaining how this band was functioning, and what was important to them when it came to their music. There is a strong vision here that guides everything they did, and how distinctive it still sounds.
Red Box had a lot of great influences, in a way they were a world band, combining vibes from variety of places they enjoyed, or even visited. Although the feel of the South American sound is undeniable in many of the tracks. Red Box kept things interesting, and it’s perhaps why they are still remembered today. Also, there is a certain mysticism to what they do. It’s a like a code that you can break through multiple listens. Red Box definitely presented the listener with a lot of challenges in what they initially did, and what they continue to do.
Mark Kadzielawa
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