Boris and Ian Astbury Album Review
Boris and Ian Astbury – BXI
Words by Siamak Amini
For a band that claims they don’t actively go looking for collaborators, Boris have had more than their fair share. It’s rare however that you see them working with a vocalist, and least of all one as well known as The Cult’s Ian Astbury. No stranger to providing his vocals to other projects, Astbury has worked with artists as varied as The Doors and UNKLE. His obvious talent combined with Boris’ ability to bring the best out of their collaborators (See Altar, their joint album with Sunn 0))) for a prime example) meant I was especially keen to hear this EP, simply named BXI.
The EP starts on a high with “Teeth and Claws”, full of dirty riffs, arpeggios and poppy hooks provided by Astbury. Second track “We are Witches” takes a few minutes to really get going, after a disjointed opening. An intriguing blend of nu-metal, stoner and classic rock develops, but it’s short-lived and leaves you wanting more.
Astbury takes a break on the cover of The Cult’s classic “Rain”, allowing Wata to turn the song into a dreamy trip thanks to her vocals. Once you see past the “Engrish”, it’s a worthwhile psychedelic take on the song, although it does feel somewhat out of place here.
“Magickal Child” (sic) is probably as close as Boris will ever come to a ballad, with haunting vocals and Wata wringing out huge sounds from her guitar like no one else. A wonderful closing track, but somehow – despite being close to 6 minutes in length – it feels too short.
I can’t help but feel that the pairing between Boris and Ian Astbury hasn’t fully gelled yet. The production sounds slightly hollow – perhaps as an attempt to provide more space for Astbury’s wonderful baritone. Whilst it works on a slow, grand piece like “Magickal Child”, elsewhere it sadly seems to have the opposite effect.
Despite these reservations, there are flashes of brilliance dotted throughout the EP; as such I’m hopeful that the collaboration continues. More time together and Boris and Ian Astbury could produce a classic album.
BXI is out on Southern Lord on 30th August 2010
7/10
