The Boxsleeves

By CHRISTOPHER SHORT THE GAZETTE April 23, 2007 – 11:51PM CD review: “7th and Madison” EP The Boxsleeves share the space between rockabilly and punk with The Reverend Horton Heat and The Living End. “7th and Madison” doesn’t showcase as much flash as those bands, but guitar gymnastics aren’t necessary for the blue-collar vibe these guys successfully evoke. Matt Freeman’s voice lends itself well to the style, handling both George Thorogood snarl and punk-rawk bark. He shares guitar duties with Jon Saultz, and the two lay down solid riffage, abetted by tasteful stereo separation — Saultz also produced. Percussion is provided by Jameson Becker, who has since been replaced by original drummer Kevin Chavez. Becker delivers a standout performance in any case, injecting wicked fills even when the band plays at breakneck speed on the title track. By the end of the 19-minute disc, the ’Sleeves have offered nothing more or less than a loud, rollicking good time. When album time comes, one hopes they’ll push their envelope a bit harder to warrant the extra running time — though we may be too busy headbanging to notice. Note: A bit of profanity earns the CD a “Parental Advisory” sticker.