Progressive psychedelia is an acquired taste...acquired by being awesome, that is. Austin's own Boxing Lesson may be one of the best modern practitioners around. If the Legendary Pink Dots teamed with the Cult, you might get somewhere near the throbbing frontal lobe fuck of their work. Seriously, "Health is the New Drug" is the best song we've heard this year.
We tripped out with Paul Waclawsky (Vocals/Guitars), Jaylinn Davidson (Synths/Vocals) and Matt Bongirno (Drums) to see what damage they could do to us in 30 seconds.
Rocks Off: What is the worst song in the world?
Jaylinn Davidson: "Don't Worry, Kyoko (Mummy's Only Looking for Her Hand in the Snow)" by the Plastic Ono band -- Live Peace in Toronto 1969. Yoko's tone-deaf wailing is unlistenable to me.
RO: What is the best lyric in the world?
Paul Waclawsky: "You gotta know when you hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, and know when to run." -- "The Gambler," by Kenny Rogers.
RO: Someone throws a beer bottle at you onstage. What do you do?
JD: Duck!
RO: Without worrying about space, time or the laws of physics, what would be the ultimate gig to play?
Matt Bongirno: To play a show in the inner Earth. The hollow earth dwellers need live performances from bands on the outside.
RO: What would you buy with a million dollars?
MB: A 5 percent municipal bond.
RO: What would you buy with your last dollar?
JD: Cat food.
RO: If you could canonize another musician, who would it be and of what would they be the patron saint?
PW: Miles Davis, the Patron Saint of Cool.
RO: What will be written on the plaque beneath the giant statue future generations erect in your honor?
JD: "Would rather be alive."
The Boxing Lesson plays tonight at Mango's with Jealous Creatures, PuraPharm and Residual Kid.