PREMIERE: Box’s ‘Stop Trying’: A Poppier Outlier for the Folk Rocker

 

Stop Trying is an invitation from Box to let you into his world, and we urge you not to miss out. 

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Justin Sanchez, also known as Box, has proven that, with consistent practice and a clear vision, an independent musician can ingeniously produce a wholly unique work. Box’s latest EP, Stop Trying, is just another testament to the folk musician’s unrestrained creative power. 

In our premiere for the lead single, “Forest Boys,” Box outlined how Stop Trying would simplify his characteristic folk rock formula for a more accessible pop-centric tune. This simplification is palpable in the string-heavy instrumentation that guides this EP. However, Stop Trying shiningly demonstrates how to simplify a sound without subtracting from it — despite being an outlier of Box’s discography, this EP is heartfelt, introspective, and lively. 

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Between the reminiscent atmospheric haze of the opening track “Forest Boys,” and the emotionally-driven campfire track, “Buckwheat,” there is an unfettered scope of sounds played here. Each track plays into a different avenue, yet this lively pace throttles the EP forward into a constant high that barely, if it all, dips. 

Cutting through each track is Sanchez’ own crystal sharp vocalization, although even in this department does Stop Trying indicate its range. Passionate lyrics about youth parallel the gravity of this album’s drive and dare not to waste a breath. Every second of this EP counts to create a tight but expansive experience

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Stop Trying is a damn good EP. It is a simpler record for those unfamiliar with folk rock to dip their toes in, but it does not subtract from the heart that drives the “folk” nor the energy that drives the “rock.” Stop Trying is an invitation from Box to let you into his world, and we urge you not to miss out. 


Listen to Stop Trying by Box and keep up with us on Instagram for more unrestrained creative power

Words by Justin Cervantes

Photos by James Duran