12 track Album released on 6th May 2022, Boombox is dirty, gritty, old-school rock and roll which I love. I was keen to sample their wears as I had never really had a chance to dine at the table of Fozzy. I had been a fan of Jericho in a previous life but did not know of how diverse his talents were… until now.
As someone that has the privilege of catching music being played, I know the importance of the first track (whether it is live or on a set) – it must capture and memorise the recipient in an instant. I say it in all my reviews – the first song sets the mood / tempo, my expectations to come and what shoes to wear for the occasion so to speak.
“Sane” – opening track 1. It has a very deep and heavy lead in, it is balanced but still edgy – it almost feels like you are plummeting down a slide in the dark for 4:12 seconds without knowing where the slide will take you or when it will end. My journey has definitely started! You are on that slide with nothing but powerful vocals, killer guitar / bass riffs and a dash of drums to hold your hand for reassurance that you will not be alone for the rest of this experience.
Track 2 – “I still burn” this song has had a huge amount of air play in the “states” and I can see why! It is faster than its predecessor, has emotive lyrics which are very relatable and this song resonated with me making it impossible not to sing along to. It has a catchy chorus and is very crafty in its design. I feel the journey has taken a slight turn to the left but is still heading in the right direction.
“Purifier” – track 3, the guitar in the track plays more of an up-front role and it almost serves as a vocal piece of the puzzle. Purifier has some clever comparisons to light and darkness of the human soul which encourages the listener to look within, look at themselves making it a very raw song. There is a hint of hypocrisy in this song with lyrics in the song “Pray for me whilst hiding your demons” – very crafty
The journey takes a hard right! – with a drop in tempo and speed but not intensity. “Army of One” – track 4, this dramatic change provides the break required for the journey, because no journey is ever in a straight line – like life. This track was one of my favourites and had a hint of old country road rock and roll. I would love to see this song played in an acoustic set live on stage, it would be amazing.
“Ugly on the Inside” – track 5, fun and cheeky it has direct links to how we view each other particularly in social media and the façade of which we want people to perceive us. Any song that can incorporate old film lines in their song lyrics has my vote – “U G L Y you aint got no alibi you ugly, you ugly”.
One of my favourite songs of all time is from “Frankie goes to Hollywood” – “Relax” many bands have tried and failed to cover this song but Fozzy absolutely nailed. True to the song but still unique to them I loved it. Check out track 6!
Track 7 track 8 and track 9 – “Nowhere to Run”, “My Great Wall” and “What Hell is Like” are all linked in a natural progression, a story of absolution and self-connection. The placement of these 3 tracks could have only been in this order. These 3 songs are bound in their part of the story but are still so very different. A lyric that really hit home for me was in “What Hell is Like” – “killed my will, my spirit has died, this must be what hell is like!” very powerful.
“Omen” – track 10, lots of references to the other side with a deep-seated connection spiritually to one’s own demons and the constant battle to be a “good person”. This song was one of the most meaningful songs on the album for me – the almost symphonic style guitar piece I have ever heard is in this song, it is amazing and quiet enlightening for such a dark subject.
Track 11 – “The Worst is Yet to Come” moves seamlessly from “Omen”. Highlighting the importance of self-reflection and doubt.
Final track on the Album Track 12 – “The Vulture Club” a powerful ending to an emotionally charge album. This track was one of the only on the album that had such deep and throaty lyrics, a big change from what Jericho had sung on this album. I felt like I was at the top of the cliff ready to either jump off or climb back down, parachute packed and ready, it was time for lift off. “The Vulture club” should come with a badge to say you have been inducted and understand the journey of the “Boombox”
In summary, my first taste of Fozzy – “Boombox” was very deep, emotive and almost personal. I love rock and roll in its purest form because it has so many levels and this Album really did take me there. My favourite song on the album would have to be “Purifier” with “Army of One” as a very close second. If you love your dirty, gritty rock and roll then you will get what you need out of this instalment from Fozzy.
Would love to see them live!
8.5/10 (extra 0.5 for the cover version of Relax) – you have certainly gained another fan, Fozzy
Tracklist:
- Sane
- I Still Burn
- Purifier
- Army of One
- Ugly on the Inside
- Relax (Frankie Goes To Hollywood cover)
- Nowhere to Run
- My Great Wall
- What Hell is Like
- Omen
- The Worst is Yet to Come
- The Vulture Club
