the Boxing Lesson.

I first had a chance to hear the Boxing Lesson when they were still an LA band. I was given the first EP and an early copy of Radiation and was instantly blown away. I listened to each track, amazed at the way a group of guys could come together and create such wonderful music. I couldn’t believe how they could all share vocals and not overpower one another. Then I found out there was just one singer, Paul Waclawsky. Talented in the ways I wish I was, Paul was a showman and damn good guitar player. The boxing Lesson shows were always fun, crowded and left you wanting more. Needless to say, when I heard things started to unravel with band, I felt a little broken hearted.

Paul left LA for Austin with his songs and the Boxing Lesson name. I just waited to hear the good music I knew would come. I wasn’t left waiting for long. I soon found a demo tape in my mailbox of some the songs that would end up becoming Songs in the Key of C. These songs came at me the same way all the Boxing Lesson’s songs did, from every angle. I was even lucky enough to know the secrets behind some of those songs. The addition of Jaylinn Davidson on synths and vocals and Jake Mitchell on drums and samples, blew up Paul’s songs in ways I couldn’t have imagined. By stripping down the players and expanding the sounds they were creating, the Boxing Lesson moved on to a new plane of existence. Texas has never been so lucky as to receive a band with this much potential.

Now, they’ve got Wild Streaks & Windy Days, another step forward for a band with no where else to go. I can’t wait for this band to make another trip out west. I’m green with envy for every show Texas gets. And there are a lot of shows. So, next time you’re in the Austin area, try to catch the Boxing Lesson. I’m saying you’ll end up having a damn good time.

From the farthest reaches of space,

The Last Pub and Monkey Cage