Released by: Round Hill Records
Release Date: August 25th, 2023
Genre: Alternative Rock
Links: https://www.candleboxrocks.com/tour
Line Up:
Kevin Martin (lead vocals)
Adam Kury (bass)
Brian Quinn (guitar)
Island Styles (guitar)
BJ Kerwin (drums)
Tracklist:
1. Punks
2. What Do You Need ft. Mona
3. Elegante
4. I Should Be Happy
5. Nails On A Chalkboard
6. Ugly
7. Maze
8. Cellphone Jesus
9. Foxy
10. Hourglass
Candlebox is a name synonymous with 90’s grunge. A shame only because the band we’re more than the eponymous debut that went quadruple platinum, and firmly cemented them right in the smack center of the grunge movement. Their classic songs “Far Behind”, a massive hit, alongside “Change’ and “You” were all over the radio and TV at that time. But the guy’s music continued through the years, despite the grunge era. Despite some inconsistent follow-ups to their smash debut, they came back with vengeance on “Into The Sun” in 2008. It’s hard to believe the guys are calling it quits after 30 years. Hence their 30th Anniversary “The Long Goodbye Tour 2023. This is it if you want to catch the guys live one final time. Read our coverage recently of their tour here.
Let’s digest what we have here…
The stumper grooves in “What Do You Need” is a top hit on the record, Kevin Martin is wailing with vibrant energy. The tight lead riff is very well executed. This side of Candlebox is one I enjoy quite a bit, nice number one of the strongest on the record. Gives me Rival Sons vibes. Another cool number comes via the modern wave sounding of “Elegante”, perhaps modern wave is not a good term to describe this, is just plainly a rock song that features a nice chorus, another good number. Digging the slow pacing in “Nails On A Chalkboard”, the sound still has hints of their early beginnings. Some nice harmonies from Martin.
The acoustic number “Maze” feels very personal, as it dives into the complexity of Kevin’s wife, the words here resound very truthfully and honestly. A nice pickup toward the song closes the buildup.
When the smoke clears, “The Long Goodbye” seems like a fitting end to an interesting career. The grunge era ultimately didn’t last, and while the music industry goes through waves and phases, it sure left an impact on a lot of music for better or worse. Candlebox can probably say they have a small play in some of that, and now Kevin Martin has decided to step away from touring. He has stated he will probably be involved in the industry somehow, just not the touring life. In the end, this final record seems fitting for a band that chose to do things their way and does have a part in Rock History.
Written by: Shadow Editor
Ratings: 6/10
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