Check 'em Out: Skybox

SKYBOX: transplants to Chicago from Arizona via Missouri, they must have traveled by electro-disco-folk-rock covered wagon. This kitschy 5-piece play an amalgamated sound, they don't want classified, though you can have fun picking out the influences on their songs. Their debut album Arco Iris, is superb demonstration of their craft. Tim Ellis' lead vocals call to mind Devendra Banhart and Julian Casablancas, especially on "Various Kitchen Utensils", a hodge podge of Tom Waits piano tickled to life by Christian Fields, and sprinkled with wooden box beats and other burlesque textures by Anthony Hornyak. Skybox is a great band with a sound that just won't quit.

"They have shared the stage with heavyweights like The Figurines and Head of Femur and have been invited to play industry showcases at The Midwest Music Summit and the CMJ Music Marathon in November." Listen to more of their songs at purevolume and on their Myspace.

You can check out their entertaining live show for yourself, this Friday, Oct. 6 @ The Kinetic Playground, as part of Bandwidth: A Launch Party Revolution.

Download: Skybox - "Various Kitchen Utensils" - (MP3)