Loxsly

Loxsly features Cody Grounds, guitarists Garrett Johnston and Justin Douglas, bassist Eryk Lugo, and drummer John Kelley. It began as a solo project in 2003, with one person working a synthesizer, samples and literally anything else that sounded like a good idea at the time. Now, the band Loxsly is five members strong and takes its pop compositions into several different directions.

There is an abundance of highly-charged rhythm and contagious melodies on their album, Maps and Organs, accompanied perfectly by singer and band founder Cody Grounds unique vocals. The happy, shiny-sounding atmosphere created by much of their music is impressively combined with lyrics that are oftentimes darker and edgier. Its intelligent and danceable all at once.

Shortly after the release of Forecast a Brainstorm, Cody was joined by Garrett Johnston on guitar and Eryk Lugo on bass. The three Wacoan’s moved to Austin, Texas, where Loxsly incorporated its fourth member, Justin Douglas, who had also fled to Austin, though not to escape from small town life. He had recently been kicked out of Montreal for being a non-citizen. Justin, an audio engineer, had recently graduated from Berklee and responded to a classified ad that Cody had posted requesting drummers. Justin didn't play drums, but offered his abilities on the pedal steel and a multitude of other instruments. The boys then duped longtime friend John Kelley into learning how to play drums.

In Austin, the band began to blend their new skills and sounds into one that was their own. Live shows naturally ran more smoothly, now that Loxsly had a full lineup. Their shows were theatrical-- including projected images, lighting and sometimes even confetti and bubble machines. In 2005, they released Loxsly's second album Maps and Organs, with home-sewn casings and the skillful production of Justin Douglas. Since the formation of Loxsly, the band has played alongside bands such as The Octopus Project, Elf Power, and Dr. Dog, and, when able to find time between day jobs or schooling at the University of Texas, made quick tours to cities such as Chicago and Athens, eager to spread their sound beyond Austin.

Now four years strong, the guys are taking it another step further. After the release of Flashlights, they are working on a full-length album and a music video (directed by guitarist Garrett Johnston) to follow. Recommended!

Loxsly - Lamprey Eels
Loxsly @ MySpace

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