Sussex-based crafter of sonic worlds, Boxtape, strips us down to our all-too-disposable parts in new single ‘Disassemble’. The song tells the story of a parallel reality, where domestic ‘helper’ robots are established household tools. One robot begins to realise their true nature, and begins a glitching, sentimental spiral into existentialism. No tale from an alternate reality would be complete without a score to match, and Boxtape more than delivers. The delicate, Kate-Bush-style vocals glide atop nu metal riffs to die (or be disassembled) for, while the drum-line pushes and pulls the listener along on the emotional ride. There is also some masterful manipulation of scat vocals to simulate a robotic breakdown.
The ethics and psychology of robotic sentience has been explored many times over – Ridley Scott’s ‘Blade Runner’ seems the obvious example. What is striking about Boxtape’s exploration of this well-trodden ground, is the quietness of their robot’s reaction. There is no vengeance-fuelled killing spree, or even anger, at their situation – just a sad, shocked acceptance of the truth, and an attempt to carry on as before, even though everything’s changed. I loved this take. When a track has you contemplating the ethics of artificial life, consumer culture, what is considered ‘disposable’, and the ephemerality of existence, all in under three minutes, you have something seriously special.
‘Disassemble’ is the third single on Boxtape’s upcoming EP UV Human, which releases on the 28th of April. Before then, ‘Disassemble’ is getting its own music video. This is a great accompaniment to the track, adding even more poignancy to the story, so make sure you check it out on the 16th of April!
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