The second release from the up-and-coming Bodixa continues in similar vein to its predecessor. Anna Ibbotson's vocals are haunting whether restrained and moody or more forthright. The melodies manage to be slightly off the beaten track but remain accessible. The band lets loose a little more here, and a combination of the two recordings suggests that they put on a strong live show.
Of the four tracks here, one is a remix of "I Cried Today" from the first CD, and the ambient soundscape of this track does the song justice. The other three are new to this listener but show that the band has a range of strong material. Lyrics are included in the CD sleeve this time around. It's not just in their music that Bodixa shows strength and promise. The lyrics manage to mix simple imagery with emotional appeal and phrasing that belies their youth.
So you left in the dead of night
Did you think I'd let it slide by me
You've done it once before
And it's hard to ignore
And now you've started, well you know I can't stand it
And it feels like a different story
You know you left your coat in the hall
Could you do a favour for me?
I don't want to have to bring it around.
(from "A Different Story")
Bodixa is taking a few months off from live work as they concentrate on forthcoming exams but plan to take a year out to focus on the band from August onwards. From the sounds of their work so far we can but hope that a full-length release isn't too far off.
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