Fresh Talent: Bolbox Rex
Author: Reuben Keeling
Auckland band Bolbox Rex like to have a good time. In fact, it's somewhat of a philosophy."We try to have a lot of fun on stage," says guitarist/singer Mikey. "We spend almost as much time pissing around as we do playing. It's all about not taking anything too seriously. My philosophy on shows is that people are there to be entertained, whether it be by the music or by the personalities of the band. I don't like going to see bands that just play and don't talk, and don't look like they're having fun."
"And hopefully if people enjoy that then they'll get into the music as well," adds guitarist Dylan Wood.
Pacifier drummer Tom Larkin has described Bolbox Rex as a "metalled-up Green Day" and their energetic power-pop is starting to get attention. The video for What Ya Gonna Do? enjoyed high rotation on M2, and the single Severed Tongue has been released on the latest NZ On Air Indie Heatseeker disc.
The band, which also includes bassist Matt Short, and drummer Ben Gibens, have enjoyed a variety of tours and support gigs recently. They have just finished a four-week North Island tour.
"It's not like a whirlwind, them gasping for more sort of thing," says Matt. "But we've seen a lot of the country."
They also scored a gig on the Green stage at this year's Big Day Out, and opened for Pacifier in Auckland.
"The Pacifier show at the Oracle has probably been my favourite so far," says Dylan. "It's a much better vibe being in a small venue with a bunch of people going completely bananas."
"A lot of our influences are probably older stuff rather than newer stuff ," comments Dylan.
"We've kind of got a bit of grunge influence going on," Matt says. "That was a special time in my life, when grunge came out."
"When everyone was angry and had long hair!" Dylan laughs.
All of Bolbox Rex's work to date has been self funded and produced, but with a bit of funding luck they hope to shoot another video and record a few more songs.
"It's long way to the top if you want to rock 'n roll," jokes Matt. "It's not that easy selling out – people think it's the easiest thing, but selling out is a lot of hard work."
