DiRtBoX nEw Ep Review

Review by Sophie White

After much waiting and eager anticipation the new DiRtBoX E.P has finally arrived, in the form of a collaboration of 5 of their newer songs which range from the topic of punk being continually questioned by society to, girls who discover lethal virus`s.

DiRtBoX, who recently celebrated their second Birthday could be seen by some as the toddlers of Scotland`s punk scene, as they are stable on their feet on local ground and are starting to explore the area around them, however they are still a bit unsteady in the bigger and further a field cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, but no doubt that will come in the not so distant future.

As said, they have made their mark in Perth and Kinross by playing over forty gigs, which include a mini tour of the rural areas such as Blairgowery and Pitlochery, and just recently they had a successful, (and much deserved) win in the Budweiser/ Curly Lloyds Battle of the Bands. It is this win that has funded the recording and production of this E.P. Birnam C.D`s (Dunkeld) were generous enough to cover the cost of the artwork, duplication and more impressively a multi-media section which allows you to interact with the band via P.C.

The first track of the C.D is `Retard`, and if you are a DiRtBoX fan you will recognize it as the tuneful number they open open their shows with. A sample of the noise made by a childrens toy forms the very appropriate introduction and conclusion to this well loved song. From the very beginning your ears are flooded with a catchy riff, that makes a come back later on. They lyrics tell the ironic tale of wanting to fit into a particular crowd but at the same time criticize it. Throughout the song there are a couple of tight and impressive stops, however on first hearing it i thought they had cut short the song as they second stop is, in my eyes, a tad too long. However over all it is a good stable song that`s has the ingredients to become a pop-punk anthem.

The second track (Playboy Bunny + a Rabbit) begins again with a notable riff that remains imprinted on your mind. This song could easily fall into the love song category, however it has been made unique by a light-hearted approach which differs it from the usual deep and meaningfuls you find in other genres. The song also manages to pull off and show off an effect that could have easily ruined the song and turn it into something `gammy`.

DiRtBoX describe track three (virus party) as "Short, funny and to the point" and that`s exactly what it is. A fun, bouncy song that you can`t help but tap along to.

The next track (Brainbox) changes the mood of the C.D from light-hearted to a more grown up and serious mood. It is a powerful Emo-song that`s only criticism i could give is it should have been made longer!

The last track of the E.P (Let Punk Die) is again more faster and powerful song which backs up Brainbox`s argument that DiRtBoX can have a more `serious side`. This song probably shows off DiRtBoX`s true potential to its best. It opens with a funky bass line which is teamed up with harder, faster guitars. The lyrics are of a more mature nature than the previous songs,and give the impression alot of thought went into them. `Let Punk Die` could only be a perfect end to a very impressive E.P.

If frontman `Gary Lynch` was asked to describe DiRtBox his answer would probably be along the lines of "Just a bunch of guys making music" but after listening to this E.P or catching them live, it is clear they are much more than that. They have enthusiasm, charisma and most importantly the talent that could one day turn them into Scotland`s most loved punk band!