Ours – Ballet The Boxer 1 (Album Review)

When you say the name Ours most likely many would not know the band at all. Ours has been around since 1994 and have released some of the best music in rock since. Their major label debut Distorted Lullabies (2001) was a master piece, spawning the bands most successful single “Sometimes”. The band’s follow up album Precious (2002) was equally as brilliant from start to finish. Taking a long 6 year break, Mercy (Dancing for the Death of an Imaginary Enemy) was released in 2008. With some of the most completely song writing of the bands catalogue they created yet another gem. The sad part about it all is besides the band’s dedicated following few have heard these works of musical art. Band leader Jimmy Gnecco possesses possibly the most dynamic and impressive voices in all of rock n roll today. Taking a 5 year break since their last album Ours has unleashed their latest album Ballet The Boxer 1.

Ballet The Boxer 1 is a highly anticipated piece of work for Ours fans. Jimmy Gnecco is a artist which takes his time composing each song to assure maximum quality. For this reason fans have to be patience when waiting for the next Ours album. The wait is finally over for anxious fans. The album starts out with the an excellent track “Pretty Pain”. The song builds an atmosphere laying drums, guitar, and Gnecco’s voice. It isn’t until about 1 minute 30 seconds into the song when it truly kicks in. The track “Coming For You” is a slight change in sound for the band. Having a groovy R & B guitar vibe with a head bopping bass line you will find yourself singing and dancing to. It’s a catchy song with a great vibe. The track “Devil” is possibly the best offering on the album. A deep and melancholy track of music. Gnecco puts his vocal range on display on this track engaging the listener with his performance. You will feel the emotion drip from the speakers when listening and feel goose bumps on your skin.

“Been Down” is a smooth jazzy track with a contagious bass line. This song is so cool it’s bad. The track impresses the listener showing Gnecco’s ability to change his vocal style at will. “Stand” is an intense track recorded in a raw style. You will feel haunted by this song from Gnecco’s soulful delivery to the dream like atmosphere it creates. “Boxer” is yet another dreamy like track in which Gnecco bleeds his emotions out to the listeners even further. Confronting his pain, frustration, loss, and personal demons you will be overwhelmed with the sincere human emotion. To offset the sorrow “Sing” is an up beating track you will want to dance to. The song brings balance to the album and conveys a message of letting it all go and having no regrets. “Falls Into My Hands” closes out the album much like “Red Colored Stars” closes out Precious (2002). Intense, emotional, and passionate. Gnecco’s voice shines one again provides us with a roller coaster of emotions. A perfectly crafted tune and excellent choice closing out the album.

Midway through the album you will realize this album was recorded much differently than previous Ours material. The sound and vibe is raw, as if it was recorded live. This id apparently done by design and makes the material even more enduring. You will feel like you are in the room with the band and the inflections in Gnecco’s voice will make the hairs on your neck stand up. In a time of pro tools and ultra polished music it’s refreshing to hear something as organic and raw as Ballet The Boxer 1. The album is a great addition to the collection of Ours work and will stand out as a favorite with fans for years to come. Overlooked and under appreciated would best Describe Ours. Let’s hope Ballet The Boxer 1 gives this band the recognition they finally deserve. Cryptic Rock give this album 5 out of 5 stars.