It is April 24th and tulips are in bloom brightening nearly every corner of New York City. Budding talent is also on display tonight in the Lower East Side at Night Club 101, Baby’s All Right’s little sister. Boxxer is who I am here to see per the recommendation of friend and fellow indie rock enthusiast Delphine Anton. Delphine is in attendance beside me. She’s uncertain about what it is that specifically entices her sonically about Boxxer but explains to me that her adoration is wholly felt. “… What brings me back (to a Boxxer concert) is the electricity of the shows, the dynamic songwriting that feels almost nostalgic, and the rock and roll we know and love.”
101’s crowd for Boxxer is packed with close friends, family members, and new fans. The atmosphere is warm, inclusive, and full of anticipation. It’s a birthday party of a loose acquaintance’s friend you’re surprisingly thrilled to attend. All are buzzing and eager to watch the five-piece perform in honor of their EP releasing the next day.
Following the ethereal and haunting ambient performance by female saxophone (Sammi Katzman) and cello (Jenna Pascale) duo KatzPascale, Boxxer takes stage as darkness swallows the city whole. The stage is washed in blue light as the band begins with an unreleased, untitled song. Lead vocalist Max Lavinsky is an entertainer and a talent to behold. His capability to carry a note is astounding. He is no Liam Gallagher (complimentary) – what you hear recorded is what you are going to get, maybe even better. His voice is reminiscent of Morrisey with hints of Grian Chatten, Corbin, King Krule, and Ian Curtis. He moves about the stage with whimsy as well as power. His theatrics are an accurate interpretation of (and perfect pairing) to Boxxer’s instrumentals. The two guitars (Christian Noll and Chili Hopkins), bass (Derek Teutonico), and drums (Archer Carr-Engler) are a noisy yet poetic ominous symphony.
I’m entranced and thrilled in a way I haven’t experienced since being introduced to Catcher three years ago. The crowd is overjoyed as well. They (and myself) absolutely lose it when the band covers Portishead’s sultry “Glory Box” prior to Boxxer’s closing song: another unreleased track “Rot”.
Boxxer is on the precipice of a righteous come up. If you enjoy Fontaines D.C. (Skinty Fia Era), Corbin, Been Stellar, The Smiths, Oasis, White Lies, Her’s, and/or The Buttertones, catch them as soon as possible. In the meantime, stream their two EPs Veil and Plaster – available on all streaming platforms.
KatzPascale is just as worthy a show to catch. A live album is in production, and performances are constantly announced on their Instagram.
