Search - Roxy Epoxy & the Rebound :: Bandaids on Bullet Holes

Begs to be returned to 1982

Willaim E. Tynor III | Phx, AZ | 10/15/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I haven't read any other reviews for Bandaids on Bullet Holes yet so I am not sure where the consensus stands. I am here to say after seeing them live with TheSTART last month and hearing this album that The Rebound are better than The Epoxies. And I liked the Epoxies, although I would cringe whenever I would see them listed among a flood of bands on some Fat Wreck sponsored tour. For an artist with a heavily 80s new wave influenced sound, it's hard to draw comparisons because not too many female new wave stars from that time period ever successfully matured out of their initial incarnation. Roxy doesn't have the vocal range or the legacy of Siouxsie and, although many songs here remind me "Metro"-era Berlin, this has far more angst than Terri Nunn's top 40 endeavors of the late 80s. Still, I get high hopes listening to Bandaids that Roxy will break through and create a greater name for herself, as well as a relevant yet uncompromising sound. The Rebound is an awesome start for the energetic vocalist. It almost makes me sorry for the Dale Bozzios of the world who faded into obscurity 25 years before.



How this album will be received from those without the Epoxies history in mind is debatable. I have been noticing that a vibrant dance-rock scene has been emerging from L.A. which has alot of roots within the Warped Tour circuit, yet possibly ignored by the trendsetters who continue to look towards Brooklyn or the U.K. for the next indie buzz band to rock their dance floor. The Rebound may have to settle for a few more Warped Tour appearances before they are mentioned in the same breath as The Editors or Kasabian.



Many of these songs can stand on their own as singles, especially "I Know, I Know" which begs to be returned to 1982 so it could dominate college radio along with The Banshees and Kim Wilde. Many may feel an entire album would be too much Roxy, so maybe you should indulge in a few downloads before taking the full plunge. Roxy really doesn't experiment with too many other vocal styles and ranges, so it's almost like you have be infatuated with the personality and married to the voice to be among those who could listen to this album fully and on a regular basis."

Roxy Epoxy steps out

Pinner Blinn | Arlington, MA USA | 11/02/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Epoxies were a great band, exceeding the post-punk genre with panache, energy and smarts. Led by the charismatic Roxy Epoxy, the band made a name for itself with inspired recordings and performances at venues across the world, living the indie-band dream to the hilt. And when it came apart in 2007, there was still a CD deal with Metropolis Records left unfulfilled. Happily, Roxy Epoxy picked up the ball, formed her own band, and leads the rousing set of songs on this new CD.



As the lead singer of the Epoxies, Roxy was a perfect front--smart, sexy, empowered, and a little geeky. In a world of pre-fab American-Idol musical expectations, Roxy Epoxy is the real thing, a strong powerful voice in the wilderness. In addition, as the host of her "Ego Hour" podcasts coming out of Portland's KPSU, she shows a sharp perspective and appreciation for the wide landscape of music that spans pop to punk.



"Bandaids on Bulletholes" signals a break from the Devo-esque new wave of the Epoxies and a foray into tougher rocking territory. Roxy's new band, the Rebound, seems a little tentative and a little tight, providing solid support but not much lift (and no soloing to speak of), leaving it to Roxy to carry the songs. And well she does. As a whole, there seems a preponderance of dark and heavy themes (Svengali tricks, sex as aggression, etc.), challenging songs that Roxy carries off well. However, I do miss the humor of the Epoxies. My favorite track is "Lola's Vision", which engagingly traces the boundary between power and vulnerability and invokes the best of the Epoxies. I also love the fire-cracking "Fun", a great show of Roxy's musical gifts. These have been on my frequent-turnover playlist all summer, and if you're looking for singles, they would be my top picks.



It's hard to know where this band is going. Metropolis seems to have dropped the ball. The printing quality on the CD jacket is so low-grade that I can't read some of the credits, even with a loupe.



Hopefully Roxy's next recording project will feel a little less rushed. I hope she will take the time and give us a deeply personal "Ego Hour" on her own terms. For now, it's great to have this set to tide us over."