Boy In Static
The San Francisco-based duo of Alexander Chen (b. 1981) and Kenji Ross (b. 1980), Boy In Static, began when a three-song demo caught the attention of The Notwist's Markus Acher, who signed the band to his new label Alien Transistor. The debut album Newborn (2004) soon arrived, characterized by dead-of-night recording sessions, lush string arrangements, thunderous synths, and yearning vocals.
In 2005, Boy In Static was introduced as a live band to worldwide audiences, supporting 13 & God (the collective of The Notwist and Anticon's Themselves) on their US and European tours, and earning a positive review from the New York Times along the way. 2006 saw the completion of sophomore album Violet (Mush Records). Showcasing a floor-stomping dynamic stage show of Chen's viola and Ross's live electronic drumming, Boy In Static embarked on a tour of Japan with Lymbyc Systym, and two US tours supporting Freezepop.
A third album, entitled Candy Cigarette, is set for release in March 2009 (Fake Four Inc & Circle Into Square). The album marks a shift in direction for Boy In Static, and also features guest contributions from Marc Bianchi (Her Space Holiday), Liz Enthusiasm (Freezepop), and Ulrich Schnauss.
Chen has also shown interactive and sound art in various galleries around the world including Barcelona's Sonar Festival. The Guardian recognized 2002's Sonata for the Unaware, a piece which generated music from video footage of Philadelphia subway commuters.
Boy In Static has shared the stage with artists such as 13 & God, Freezepop, Lymbyc Systym, Stereo Total, and Why?. Boy In Static has collaborated and been remixed by artists such as Her Space Holiday, Alias, Styrofoam, Montag, Helios, and Future Bible Heroes.
Yahoo! Music | Candy Cigarette
Intimate and acoustic-sounding electronica ... a good record!
The Guardian | Candy Cigarette
Instantly catchy ... like Erasure singing about an Edward Hopper painting.
Wireless Bollinger | 71 out of 100 Candy Cigarette
Forays into whimsy [like] Jon Brion. Its own brand of musical ingenuity ... Boy in Static crafts succinct, dynamic, and innovative pop.
XLR8R | Candy Cigarette
Simultaneously light-hearted and despondent, the first single off Boy in Static's Candy Cigarette makes for a palate of strings, pianos, and electro synths served over a hefty dose of electronic bleeps.
RCRDLBL | Candy Cigarette
A recession-deying pop jawn ... like Patrick Wolf without the flare of hot pants.
New York Times
(Live review, 2005) Boy in Static, the opening band, set up the night's introspective tone [with] minimalistic patterns ... Amid the echoes of 1980's bands like New Order, Mr. Chen revealed a strong sense of melody and his own blend of diffidence, longing and tenacity.
Brainwashed | Newborn
Beautifully melodic and poetic ... an impressive debut disc.
Re:Up
(Violet, 2007) A richly diverse second release. A collection of insightful ballads. Left me in awe.
All Music Guide | 4 out of 5 stars Newborn
Recalls the beatless poetry of My Bloody Valentine ... sentimental pop music for the post-everything world of today.
URB | 4.5 of 5 stars
(Violet, 2007) Takes a simple color and turns it into a masterpiece.
Grooves
(Violet, 2007) Neo-shoegaze. Rivals much of Kevin Shields' output. The momentum never once flags. An outstanding recording.
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