Album Reviews for 2nd album:  "And the rest of us die out" - released June 2008

THUNDA.COM REVIEW

Vocalist Jenna Philips, who also plays guitar, is supported by band mates Lucille Barry on drums, Jitka Brzek on bass and Wilkie Louw on lead guitar to make Scarlet Box.

Collectively they create a smooth but tough rock sound, which dips and soars on a constant journey exploring boundaries. Pretoria, a city commonly associated with conservatism and tradition, is where the band is based. And yet they do not hold back from giving gutsy performances and giving the metaphorical finger to the stereotype of a female’s as fragile and gentle.

Generally Jenna’s potent vocals drive and dominate their songs. While most female vocalists are known for their ability to hit the high notes, her strength lies in the power and clear but resonant sound she exudes with every word she sings. The clean drumming and straining guitars cannot really compete.

“And The Rest Of Us Die Out” is the band’s second album, that follows their 2005 debut. The 12 tracks create a spectrum of faster and slower songs that ebb and flow naturally, while retaining the band's distinctive sound. There are plenty of resonant melodies such as in “See Ya”, “Red Line” and “Take A Handful”, that make it an appealing album.

Reviewed by : Philippa Walker

 SL MAG REVIEW SB ALBUM
 
Its been a long time since Scarlet.Box (that's how they had it in SL mag) released anything.  Line-up changes, management changes and plenty of goings on abound.

Two things remain the same: Jenna's searingly powerful vocal and the fact that this young band has immense talent.

This is a collection of emotive and powerful songs reaching from really hard rockers to gentle ballads Its a mix that is a bit discombobulating on a level, as they have not as yet fixed their identity. At the same time though, that is their identity, a shifting kaleidoscope collection of interests that is almost manic...

 SPEAKER BOX

Written by Nicole Hyman

Something to vent along to. Because you’re having a moment. A bad day. Or maybe you just feel like cranking up the volume and screaming at the top of your lungs.
In fact, you better be willing to turn it up. None of this polite background music stuff that is easy to ignore. No, Scarlet Box’s new album And the Rest of Us Die Out will have none of that.

This album is a gutsy, girl-led head-rush that will leave you tapping feet and bobbing head. You may even find yourself singing along to the lyrics which have just the right amount of angst for you to have your private little emo moment without calling in the razors or black eye-liner.

And yes they deal with the usual set of issues. The sex and love and longing. But they’re spunky and very refreshing. It’s great for a vent, Smashing Pumpkins style. And of course, they’re a South African band. Rock on guys, er girls.

And the Rest of Us Die Out starts with the charging power rock single "I Knew". Part Nightwish, part ManInSuit, and all out girl rock, it's a powerful way to kick off your second album. Then, suddenly, track two's the slow Seether-like ballad "See Ya". And it's all acoustic guitars and scorned melancholy. It's a strange change. But, welcome to the multiple personality disorder that is Pretoria rockers Scarlet Box.

And the Rest of Us Die Out's an impressive second release though. Some songs are better than others. But the production's excellent. And overall, the melodies are well thought out, well put together, and as good as any other band in the genre. The sound's kind of a mixture between bands like Seether, Nightwish and HIM, with plenty of girl-angst rock, American twang, and black and white Nightmare Before Christmas stripes. I even heard an Arctic Monkeys riff in there. 

Personally, I prefer the band's faster more pop-punk and up-tempo pop rock songs. But if you're into slower, female-fronted ballad rock, with repeated choruses and fuzzy guitars, you can't really fault And the Rest of Us Die Out. Actually, I'm being a dick. It's a solid album full of potentially radio-dominating melodies that get stuck in my head long after they're done playing. Check 'em out. – WAYNE 

RATING: 7/10

The first band we sat down to see was scarlet box and as you know it is always a treat to see this band perform. They are a 4 piece band (Female Vocalist/Guitarist, a Female Bassist, a Male Lead Guitarist and a Female Drummer) that previously consisted of 2 female and 2 male artists.

But it has changed a bit with Wilke Louw on Lead Guitar and Lucile Bary on Drums. We feel it is all cool because they still bring every body that listen to there songs to a dance crazy. Scarlet box plays with your mind and your body cant help but to jump in.

They ended there set with "Take a Hand Full" that is a mind blowing song that will make you travel to another place were time stands still. With this songs tempo, vocals and the rhythm of the instruments that flow to get her you are left with open mouths, it's like you have no idea what happened but you loved every moment of it.