In another one of many life-changing decisions taken by humanity after the daunting onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Candlebox recently announced their retirement this year of 2023, coincidentally the year when the band is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their self-titled debut. Fans will have plenty of chances to say farewell to front-man Kevin Martin & and his gang, as the band has embarked on “The Long Goodbye” tour in the US. An album of the same name was just released – “The Long Goodbye”, last August 25 via Round Hill Records. The LP’s first single, “Punks”, is a cautionary message to young bands that they won’t be the hot new thing forever.
In addition to “Punks”, the 10-track collection, which Don Miggs produced, includes the sneering statement of independence “What Do You Need?”, co-written by Nick Brown of the alt-rock band Mona, who also appears on the track, and the moody, atmospheric “Elegante”, where Kevin dives headlong into creative wordplay as Miggs and the band mimics a synth-pop vibe with guitars and drums. Elsewhere is the acoustic “Maze” and “Cellphone Jesus”, where Kevin allows some of his worldview to seep in as he searches for a sign from above of a damaged society.
Candlebox rose to fame after releasing their self-titled debut album in July 1993. The band’s sophomore album, “Lucy” (1995), tweaked their sound and was certified gold, and was followed three years later by “Happy Pills” (1998). Troubles with the record company prompted a breakup in 2000, but the band reunited in 2006. Since then, they have released four more studio albums: “Into the Sun” (2008), “Love Stories & Other Musings” (2012), “Disappearing in Airports (2016)”, and “Wolves” (2021), and the aforementioned “The Long Goodbye”, which will become their swansong.
Collaborator Rodrigo Altaf spoke with Candlebox’s founder Kevin Martin, and they discussed the final steps of the band, the writing and recording of “The Long Goodbye”, opening for Rush in the 90’s, what’ Kevin has planned to do after the tour is over, and much more. Listen or watch their chat below, and remember that for more interviews and other daily content, Sonic Perspectives is on Facebook, Flipboard, Twitter and YouTube, where you can be notified about new content we publish on a daily basis.
