Blending nostalgia with modern rock, while steering-locked to an unmistakably pre-millennium Kiwi pub rock sound, newcomer Christchurch rock band Anglebox are picking up their undies from the lawn and releasing a contrarily bright debut EP they’ve badged ‘Dark Days In The Sun’.

Back in early 2023 Ian Cartwright, recently known for his work with The Late Starters, was searching around the Christchurch spare musicians garages for a fresh collaboration to breathe life into his original songs. Anglebox came together when Cartwright, who plays rhythm guitar, and lead guitarist Richard Grist (Blackhole Stars) decided to collaborate.

Soon joined by David ‘Stacky’ Stack on vocals, the line up of this Ōtautahi musical homage to the small-but-doughty 1970s Ford Anglia was completed with drummer Dave Deakins (Salmonella Dub) and Greg Mannering on bass (both also former Blackhole Stars), on drums. All experienced musicians, each add their own unique influence and style creating a melting pot of musical talents.

The result is energetic ‘80s vibes; short, sharp and almost familiar on first listen. It can be hard to unsee the indelible impression Anglebox made with the release of their relatable debut single Undies on the Lawn, and just a few weeks later the five-piece is hurtling into another tight corner with the release of their introductory EP.

Early arrangements and demos quickly evolving into full-fledged songs and within months the five-piece went into audio-Centric Studios in Christchurch, where Ian McAllister was charged with capturing the raw energy of their live performances  for the four sharp tracks that make up ‘Dark Days in the Sun’. McAllister produced, mixed and mastered the EP, Anglebox describing him as meticulous.

Undies on the Lawn, the band agree, captures the essence of Anglebox – a blend of Kiwi pub rock with infectious pop and punk elements, influenced by the music of their generation including The Mutton Birds, The Exponents and The Clash. The mental picture left by a chance encounter with a discarded pair of undies on a frosty Twizel morning walk was transformed into a catchy song that resonates well beyond just Anglebox listeners.

Embracing any possible controversy the band have been running a photo competition (post a photo of undies on your own lawn) with knobby.com.au – with the prize of a year’s subscription to Knobby underwear.

Completing ‘Dark Days in the Sun’ are three similarly driven tracks; Who Are We Really, Teenage Dream and Want My Lover, each showcasing the band’s diverse influences and creative prowess. Without any trace of hand-wringing angst the songs do carry quite a lot of adult questioning, particularly Who Are We Really which seems a fine road trip singalong number, ideal for yelling out lyrics around those sweeping corners of the Southern Alps foothills. Teenage Dream slows the pace a bit, a hilltop lighters in the air-style reconnection with ‘New Year’s passage-rites’, and similar gone but definitely not forgotten times.

Wrapping things up Want My Lover finds Anglebox picking up speed again as they charge back down to the plains. More familiar Kiwi rock guitar tones carrying just-as familiar Kiwi expressions of uncertainty and humility – all with a danceable sense of fun. Anglebox’s  ‘Dark Days in the Sun’ is available now.