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BOX JUICE: One Heart Many Lives

Traditionalist in their approach, Auckland reggae act Box Juice take the listener on a thorough expedition through the hallmarks and key motifs of Aotearoan dub reggae formalism. Steel Pulse-recalling guitar lines, warm subby bass patterns, meandering one drop drum rhythms and melody/harmony lead lyricism focusing on themes of togetherness, family, unity and social responsibility. Well played, engineered, recorded and mixed, ‘One Heart Many Lives’ is an accomplished release in one sense, and a complete re-treading of well-worn, already overworked musical and lyrical concepts in another. And this dichotomy has, even after multiple repeat listens left me feeling thoroughly on the fence about Box Juice. I respect what they do in terms of playing and intent, however, speaking of instinctual engagement, why would I listen to a photocopy of Katchafire or The Black Seeds when I could listen to the genuine article?

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