Photo credit: Alex Celestial
Current Youth by Cardboard Boxer captures the feeling of stagnation and the difficulties that come with balancing work and music. The indie rock/punk group is bringing back the nostalgic sound of 90’s rock in a release that’s all about growing older.
Based out of San Diego, California, Cardboard Boxer was inspired by its emerging surf’n skate subculture and has been performing music since 2017. They’re all smoke and no mirrors, traveling cross country in a beat-up ambulance they call “The Jambulance”. The group is made up of four members, Evan de Silva, Cameron Jackson, Shea Villetet and Thomas Achenbach. They each have an incredible stage presence and interact well with their crowd.
Their music and performance style is true to their personalities. Although Current Youth has a consistent upbeat sound, the lyrics dive into some heavy material like leaving behind old friends and accepting the quick passage of time. It’s an album that many can relate to whether they’re entering their 20s or starting a family in their 30s.
Current Youth opens with “Going Nowhere”, a great opener filled with high energy in the guitar/drum intro. “Cutting Ties and Burning Bridges” has lively instrumentals resembling the Red Hot Chili Peppers. My personal favorite track is “All Outta Time”. It has an incredibly catchy melody and is the perfect way to end a cohesively upbeat album.
Current Youth showcases Cardboard Boxer’s versatility in sound and songwriting ability. They can make fans out of regular indie rock listeners or 90’s teens looking for new music with a nostalgic vibe.
Reviewed by Gabriela Huselton
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