Will Microsoft Defend the X Box Boys?



Posted: Tuesday, June 05, 2007

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    Rock music, has always been inspired by lust, or, failing that, love.  Especially in the early days of the genre-- say, from Elvis' "Fools Rush In" up through Warrant's "Cherry Pie".  Well, The X Box Boys are no different.  They love the XBox, and it shows in their music.  This is a band that records power pop paeans to their favorite games while wearing polychromatic fluorescent face paint.  www.thexboxboys.com

    With anthemic melodies and tight chord changes no doubt honed from hours of Guitar Hero, the X Box Boys manage to channel-- through their callused but dexterous fingers--the quirky, caffeine-buzzing-teens-in-a-basement sound of Jimmy Eat World or OK Go.   And much like their influences, this Seattle band plays a quirky, not-so-self-important musical style while remaining unabashedly proud to preach the power of their vaunted game consul.  And much like Ally Sheedy's Cap'n Crunch and Pixie Stix sandwich in "The Breakfast Club", the Xbox Boys' tunes are unapologetically sticky-sweet.

An emo vein of neo-power pop played out with musical enthusiasm of quicksilver thumbed gamers, the bands first two songs pave the way for an exciting new genre of fanboy fanaticism blended with aspirational redemptive themes of unadulterated joy, spiritual completion and full blast fantasy escapism. They've even managed to record a couple of videos in between marathon Grand Theft Auto sessions.   So, if you like high-energy, couch-jumping music-- and the thought of beta-testing Halo 3 makes you come in your pants-- then give the X Box Boys a listen. 

    Aesthetically the X Box Boys are a 21st Century gamer manifestation of the original Fab Four.  Unlike those cheeky Brits, these boys seem more interested in the celebration and the proselytization of one thing, the Xbox as a complete lifestyle experience.  The logo of the consul is a glowing lime green orb, split in a cross of radiant ivory light; the cross is central in its symbolism.  The Xbox Boys approach their music not as a distraction, but as a missionary quest, to spread the good word and good times of passionate X Box gaming to the masses.

    As commercialism becomes entertainment, and Geico ads become television programs, it is with the X Box Boys an important confluence of advertisement and art, culture and consumerism.  As the band continues to build its international fan base, connecting with fellow apostles the world over, it will be interesting to witness that as these boys become huge in Japan, will Microsoft be huge with them?  Will the company responsible for spawning this uber fanboy enthusiasm be willing and able to harness what can only be described as a Microsoft PR agent’s happiest of dreams?  Excitement builds, conversions continue and the world waits to see if Microsoft baptizes the X Box Boys, or if in fact, the christening will come from the band itself.  Either way, it’s Geek Chic with an addictive beat, and we’re all sure to enjoy the ride.
www.thexboxboys.com/music.php


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More comments
» left by Tristan
from Norwich, Uk 4 years 207 days ago.
Not exactly my type of music, although the whole concept is great, by using these new advertising methods such as using youtube to reach tonnes of viewers, the microsoft brand is well being promoted, with additional support from Microsoft the Xbox Boys could really make it.
» left by Simon
from UK 4 years 206 days ago.
Quote 'not my type os music' I feel the same, however you guys seem to be getting bigger and bigger by the day. Microsoft will obviously be watching you and I hope that you are eventually endorsed by the big corporation because you deserve it.
» left by Anonymous
 4 years 206 days ago.
I have seen these guys everywhere, all over the web. I am a big fan of their music. Though at sometimes it is different... they wouldn't be good if they weren't different.
» left by Anonymous 4 years 206 days ago.
I really like the music style of the XBOX Boys , and they have taken a lot of criticism but shrugged it off and continued very well. Its actually a great idea to advertise the Xbox and maybe Microsoft will endorse you guys if you keep trying..
» left by swampLT
from Lithuania 4 years 202 days ago.
I can say 1 word, COOL. I love rock, and that song witch i heard of xboxboys was incredible... U really could go to TOP's. I wish you all the best.
» left by majin888
from lithuania 4 years 201 days ago.
They are so Cool! I'm listening their music Countiniously, and never bored of it. They've constructed good Idea how to be like Xbox! This is not music that i like, but i support them till the end! keep up good work!
» left by Karolis
from Lithuania 4 years 201 days ago.
Anyone who plays with Xbox will be fan of this band. I saw thei music clip and it was very good it keeped sounding in my head for abour two hours. They are creating music that is inspiring. I could play with my xbox whole hours listening their music.
» left by PHPManiac
from Bradford 4 years 200 days ago.
Great. Absolutely brilliant. This boys have the talent. Why doesn't Microsoft make them the official band of the Xbox. That will be well cool. Their style is brilliant. Music is brilliant. Everything is perfect
» left by Jerry
from Ludwig 4 years 63 days ago.
When the Xbox Boys played the Pumpkin-Palooza in Buckley Oct. 27th they really put on a show. I will see them again whenever I get the chance.
» left by Anonymous
 3 years 22 days ago.
Well, your chance is here again.  The Ex Box Boys will be playing live at Hayley's in Everett Washington on January 9, 2009.  Tickets are $10.00 at the door.  The poster is on their website at MySpace.  I know I'm going to be there.

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