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The last thing the members of Boxcar Racer would probably want to be compared to is Blink 182. However, since all music for “Boxcar Racer” was written by Thomas Delonge and Travis Barker, the similarities to Blink could not be ignored.

Often referred to by the media as a ‘side project,’ Boxcar Racer is composed by Delonge (guitar/bass/vocals), Barker (drums), David Kennedy (2^nd guitar), and Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (keyboards). Like most other fans, I initially thought that the band would just be another version of Blink 182, only without the vocal and bass contributions of Mark Hoppus. After hearing the first few songs, including the group’s debut single, “I Feel So,” I was convinced that my prediction was correct. But as I kept listening to the CD, Boxcar Racer began to break away from the pop-punk group. Of course, Delonge’s whiny yet lovable voice was still to be heard, as well as Barker’s amazingly fast drumming, but Boxcar Racer’s music contained something fresh and powerful. Instead of the comical or angst-ridden lyrics geared towards the youth, the new songs connected to a more mature audience on a more intellectual and emotional level.

What especially stood out from “Boxcar Racer” was the distinctly audible strength of each instrument. As always, Barker’s drum beats are captivating, and sets the pace well in each track. When blended with the acoustic guitar and beautiful keyboard accompaniment in “Letters To God,” “Sorrow,” and “There Is,” Boxcar Racer truly creates a name for themselves as listeners finally begin to sever the band’s ties to Blink 182.

Since Boxcar Racer built their group from an already experienced core, success will probably follow. This is evident through the album’s list of talented guests, which include Rancid’s Tim Armstrong, New Found Glory’s Jordan Pundik, and Blink’s Mark Hoppus. If they continue on the path they have begun to take, Boxcar Racer will not only be rid of the ‘side project’ label, but maybe even become the public’s favored group.