Boy In Static - Candy Cigarette

01. Toy Baby Grand
02. Starlet
03. Star-Crossed Killer
04. Young San Francisco
05. Tijuana
06. Candy Cigarette
07. Half-Lives
08. Wartime Bachelor
09. Osaka
10. LA Runaways

Boy In Static, the San Francisco duo of Alexander Chen and Kenji Ross, is set to release a new album, Candy Cigarette, in March. Before I get to some info about the album, let’s talk history. Chen’s small demo album was originally discovered in 2003 by The Notwist (one of my favorite bands), which is totally unsurprising, considering their music sounds identical at times. Chen then joined Ross in 2004 to make a live band and the two have been Boy In Static ever since.

Musically, Boy In Static appeals to those who love electronica with soft-spoken vocals, which achingly work their way toward a zenith but never fully get there on purpose. The electronica works to get deep into the souls of its listeners, at times overwhelming you in its melancholy, but keeping you focused on each song because of the outstanding melodic appeal. It’s like that glimmer of hope you have when you can see the light in your life but something dramatic happens and strips you bare when you least expect it. You might say, “Why the hell would I want to listen to music that makes me feel that way?” And I say, “Good question!” But you know what, sometimes its nice to feel vulnerable and stripped of your security. Your emotions become tangible, life becomes clear….and you realize you really need to shave. That goes for both sexes.