Oxes - Oxes

Year: 2000

Label: Monitor

Not to be confused with the ep of the same name, this is the Oxes' "Oxes" full length. Got that? Great.

Baltimore's pride and joy, after John Waters one would suppose, released their debut album of riff-centric math/noise rock to an unsuspecting world, not yet prepared for their version "rowdyism", a combination of bombast, humor, and self-importance. A lot of people hated it. A lot of people thought it was lame when Oxes showed up playing on top of large boxes in these little clubs around the country. A lot of people thought they were dicks for releasing a split with Arab On Radar without any prior knowledge, consent, or even participation from Arab On Radar. A lot of people have strong opinions about the band. 

I like it, but then again, I'm kind of a sucker for this type of thing.

It's a slightly more metallic take on the classic noise rock formula of cyclical, off kilter rhythms, paired with aggressive riffing. If it ain't broke right?

DL