Relaxing-Yet-Upbeat Indie Superalbum

This masterpiece of an album has something for everyone—though not mainstream, it‰’s catchy and simple melodies market it easily to the masses; despite its upbeat tempo, the music has a calming and reassuring effect; thus are two examples of how Boxed In appears to sit fastened (dare I say… boxed in) at the crux of all musical spectra, making it applicable and enjoyable to virtually all musical connoisseurs. Boxed In is Oli Bayston‰’s debut album from his new solo career, which—judging by his first work—should be promising. Finally freed from his previous band named Keith, Bayston shines individually as a phenomenal songwriter. Simplistic melodies encoded in euphonic chord progressions hold the foundation of most songs, with “Foot of the Hill‰Û‰’s active and bouncing bassline creating the only exception. Driving piano and guitar riffs coupled with tasteful reverb systematically generates a sense of serene urgency. This is especially evident in “All Your Love is Gone‰Û, while “Sailing‰” which immediately follows it dissolves any sense of urgency as electronic waves of noise make a trippy, relaxed atmosphere. “Bug‰” is a tasty fusion between lucid Amnesiac-era Radiohead and rhythm-oriented In Rainbows Radiohead. The album‰’s close, “Wild West,‰” is the only noticeably slow song on the entire record, and its smooth harmonies effortlessly guide ears to a soothing end. Boxed In reminds listeners that the piano should not be confined to symphonic halls and weddings. Bayston uses the instrument as both a melodic counterpart and a harmonizing crutch, bringing a relaxing, down-to-earth quality to his tunes. Boxed In is a must-hear for laid-back music junkies.

Now if you‰’ll excuse me, I‰’m going to go recommend this album to literally everyone I know.

-Matt Reise

RIYL: Spoon, Matt and Kim, Bastille, Radiohead

Recommended: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10