release
Artist: Bodixa
Label: UK indie
Length: 4 tracks / 15.31 minutes
So much attention is paid in the Christian music marketplace to
bands who are seen as potential "crossover" candidates that those musicians
who are quietly working their way around the club scene are all too often
overlooked. Bodixa are another of those, taking their broader than normal
rock sounds into the clubs of their native Leeds, and occasionally further
afield.
Their rock sound is a mix of driving acoustic guitar and bass, complemented
by an electric guitar which adds a strummed, distorted backing for the
vocals and other instruments at times. At others is used in a more atmospheric
way, reminiscent of more experimental rock outfits. Given the band's obvious
youth, the melodies exceed expectations. Anna Ibbotson's vocals have already
received much well-deserved attention, and songs like "Ideal" suit her
sultry vocals well. Although she reminds me of a number of female vocalists,
she sounds most like Sam Phillips moving into more aggressive waters.
Lyrics are not included in the simple CD sleeve lining. They are
generally presented as a message for one person, but who that is is open
to interpretation. At times it could be God, but it would seem that He
is not the only one addressed. The band has obviously put time and
effort into their lyrics and there are some interesting images ("A Song
About Space" in particular seems intriguing), but more focused writing
might help this area develop as the band matures further.
This recording's presentation suggests that its main purpose is
to serve as a calling card or demo for the band. As such there are rough
edges which need to be worked out--a couple of times the arrangements felt
a little limp--but overall this EP points towards a promising future.
James Stewart (1/1/99)
