Long time friends Russ Randolph and Zion Rock Godchaux are a music-making duo whose style, musical chemistry and individual musical prowess deem them fit for their band name-- Boombox. Together they are a machine of rhythm, funk, and soul. Boombox is a touring favorite right now among circa college-age to mid-30s lovers of jam band outfits. The sound that Randolph and Godchaux pump out is electronic yet organic; and anyone who's down with acts like STS9 or Plej would definitely appreciate it. Though their sound is not organic in the sense of acoustic instruments; their organic nature stems from their live performances and the approach they take. They go into each show with no set list and progress through the set by riding the sheer energy of the venue's occupants. Randolph emphasizes that each show has a different energy as he explains, "We create these sonic fabrics off the machines [musical equipment] and we weave them between-- like the way a DJ works a crowd, blending two records… It's all real time, in the moment."
Boombox's sound could be described as vintage rock with psychedelic undertones-- a product of electronic and live instrumentation, with elements of disco house, funk, rock and roll, and scratching. These guys have their hands full when it comes to making music together, but they do it with great poise. Both members contribute on drums. Randolph deejays, kicks two drum machines, produces, handles the turntables, and plays keys. Godchaux is guitarist, bassist, vocalist, and principle song writer for the act. And as both of his parents played in Grateful Dead for much of the 70s-- Godchaux, I'd presume, was certainly raised to jam and get down. Depending on the vibe of the particular show, Boombox's sets have been known to go on as long as 3 hours or more!
With two albums under their belt, Boombox's most notable track is "Stereo" from their freshman release, Visions of Backbeat.
As a follow up to their second album-- downriverelectric-- Boombox is currently working on a third album (rumored to be titled Lost Ya). They are also touring the country from coast to coast, and will be making a Las Vegas stop on February 21, 2012 at Hard Rock Café on The Strip. Check 'em out, for a head-bobbing, funky time...
~Meow~
Pennies
Reference
(Russ Randolph quote: D. Gold interview: http://www.flipfire.tv/?video=oXBDl66OySwFnq18TQCy)
