THE TENDER BOX: The Score

The Tender Box

The Score

© 2006 The Tender Box (837101139236)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

WARNING: Will turn audiences into a cohesive dance machine.

notes

Whenever other people talk about East L.A. they always use Mexican stereotypes about taco vendors, druggies and casanovas. Let me set the record straight -we've never sold tacos. -Ric Moon, guitarist.

Tremendous, incandescent British sounding rock music is probably the last thing that comes to mind when you think of South East LA. So it's a breathtaking revelation when you hear the chiming guitars and swooning vocals of The Tender Box. Inspired by the post punk and synth pop groups of the 1980s, the band was formed by four childhood friends in the predominantly Mexican American neighborhood of South Gate. So how did the rain stained, somber, murky sounds of Manchester and Sheffield resonate with kids living in the perpetually sun drenched California?

As impossible as it sounds, Bassist Steve Mungarro explains, "Our brothers, sisters and cousins were listening to bands like The Cure and Depeche Mode so we never knew any different." They grew up playing in bands in their friends garages mimicking the sounds that they loved so much. Vocalist/guitarist Joey Medina concurs, Even though its sunny and hot in L.A. we grew up in a lower income, industrial city that is probably not that different than a Manchester or Birmingham in England. Its no Beverly Hills and sometimes it could be a rough town.

So maybe its the impossibility of finding four Mexican-American childhood friends who grew up in South Gate obsessing over synth pop and post punk groups of the 80s that made The Tender Box an almost immediate hit in Hollywood. Los Angeles had a small yet cultish scene of devout anglophile music fans and The Tender Box boys were at the forefront of the new Indie scene. The lush and despairing decadence of Britpop appealed to their sensibilities and their own personal histories.

Henceforth, The Tender Box would continue to immerse themselves in a veritable fusion of musical tastes and seemingly disparate cultures. They fine-tuned their recipe for success blending the two worlds effortlessly. After getting the right batch of songs together, the guys hit the club circuit up and down the west coast. People undoubtedly noticed. They have headlined hipster hot spot Café Bleu, been praised by L.A.s legendary D.J. Rodney Bingenheimer on his "Rodney On The Roq" radio show, been frequently spun on Indie 103.1 and Sirius Radio and have even landed a primo licensing spot on a Canadian Chevy commercial which featured their song Mister Sister all before signing a record deal.

reviews

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  • The Best Album and Best New Band of 2007
    author: Jim Lovell

    This group is possibly one of the best out there, yet they are virtually unknown. The Score has a great sound, sounding like a mixture between the music of The Killers and Vertical Horizon. Particularly the songs "Shine a Light" and "Oceans Between" remind me of songs from Vertical Horizon, but though there are many similar elements, The Tender Box has a sound all their own. The vocals are great, the guitar and bass work is right on. Everyone that I have let hear this album thinks it's excellent.

  • This album raises The Score - Stunning music
    author: Andy

    I first heard The Tender Box in the UK, when they were supporting the Goo Goo Dolls on their tour. The music they played was from this album and it blew me away. I really got into it, and so did the crowd. This album has such power, emotion and feeling tied to it, and at the same time it seems to have great individuality that would get so many rocking! "Let Go" has to be my favourite track. A great debut album that raises the score above similar genre artist's.

  • One of the few greatest bands from E.L.A.
    author: S.A.M.

    You can't hear bands like this anymore, especially if your from E.L.A. When you hear of 4 guys from E.L.A. who are in a band, you think of oldies, TexMex, or Banda (Ranchero) music. But not these guys, with The Tender Box, you hear great alternative rock music that you could dance to. 4 Latin guys who have a Euro beat sound in their music, it can't get better than that. These guys are one of the few, who'm I believe, will make history in rock music!

  • The Best New Band Around
    author: Naomi

    I first saw The Tenderbox supporting Goo Goo Dolls in Dublin, Ireland and was blown away. Went straight out to the box office at the interval and bought The Score, just in case I couldn't buy it here. I've listened to it from start to finish at least 30 times, it's a classic without one bad track. Joey Medina's vocals on Let Go really get to me, and of course A Place Called Home is really moving. Best CD I bought in 2006, and is up there with By the Way (Chili's) & One by One (Foos) as one of my all time favourites.

  • UNBEATABLY AWESOME MUSIC
    author: Sam Lee

    I saw you guys at manchester MEN when you were supporting Goo Goo Dolls, and you were bloody brilliant, loved every song that you sang. I tried to buy your CD when i was in America over christmas, but to no avail, so I ordered it from CD Baby, and am i glad i did that!! Such a brilliant CD, not a single song i dont love, however, my personal favourite is 'A place called home' its so relaxing and just pure amazing. Hope to see you touring the UK again soon, would love to see you again!

  • Great CD!
    author: Stewart

    As you have likely already read below, this is a wonderful CD! I've listened to it countless times already. Favorite song is definitely "Place Called Home". You need this CD in your music collection!!!

  • Stunning!!!
    author: Big Norm

    In line with all other comments here, this album completely rocks! Like a lot of people on here, I was introduced to The Tender Box when they supported the Goo Goo Dolls on their UK tour. Immediately accessible, their music draws you in and you just can't help enjoying it! And whilst the album is great, they were stunning live! Keep it coming, guys!

  • How Have I NOT Heard of You Guys?
    author: Kip Welch

    Where to start? The Tender Box are my new favorite band right now. The Score is the most listenable CD I own. Every song is great and catchy. I hate it when artists don't make songs you can hum along to. The Tender Box deserve some mass appeal. Can't recommend enough. Favorite track definately Place Called Home. One of the best albums ever.

  • Awesome
    author: Stacery

    I love this CD i think it's awesome. My favourite tracks have got to be Place Called Home and The Score. I think it's really a fantastic album!

  • Great production
    author: Steve

    Amazing album, the production and recording quality for an indie release is unbelievable. I'm sure these guys are gonna be on our TV sets really soon.

  • Best album ever
    author: Dawn

    This album is amazing. Not only does it have the catchy tunes of Commuter and Mister Sister but it also has the more mellow tunes of Place called Home. Deffinately one to have in your music collection.

  • Awesome CD
    author: Chris Bull

    Had to buy the CD after seing the Tenderbox support the Goo Goo Dolls in the worlds best rock venue - Rock City Nottingham , the CD is pure quality

  • Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    author: Alex

    What can i say, me and my girfriend watched these guys with the goo goo dolls in london. Not a bad song on the cd. The Tender box are a great band............

  • Briliant!!
    author: Wendy C

    Saw The Tenderbox on touir with The Goo Goo Dolls, enjoyed their music I went to see them in Manchester, every bit as good! Brialliant album, every song is catchy. Buy it, support these guys, they are really good with a distinctive sound of their own but still with a good variety of tunes.

  • Great live band, great album
    author: David B

    Saw them live in Cambridge and the album is every bit as good. Sounds fantastic at high volume in the car.

  • author: Lesley

    Saw these guys play in Cambridge and really enjoyed their music - just had to purchase the CD. Great tracks every single one!

  • great album, highly recommended!
    author: gayle Kirk

    What a great album,loved it the first time I played it! Great for in the car too, highly recommended! I bought the album after seeing the band support the Goo Goo Dolls and it was well worth it!

  • Amazing
    author: Reetu

    I love this CD.. every single song is so good.. Ive been rockin out hardcore! Definitely glad I bought it

  • Definitely worth it!
    author: Ruby Ho

    The Tender Box's, The Score is definitely a CD worth checking out. It's got a variety of sounds to it and not just a CD that sounds the same ALL through out. The first two songs I heard, before I bought the CD was The Score and Mister Sister. After listening to them, I couldn't get them out of my head. It's just that catchy! But not the annoying kind of poppish catchy. Once I got the CD, I listened to the whole album and was surprised to hear that they had one slow-ish song, Place Called Home. Although it's nice to have some slowing down, I didn't find it that great... I guess after listening to their previous songs and coming to this track just kinda wrecked my anticipation for the other songs... The last song, Stranger than Fiction, I didn't like it all that much either. But it's definitely a different sound. Overall, I totally encourage others to check them out!

  • finally! good music!
    author: chu-blanks

    every single song is amazing. tender box has kept the great music tradition. you know, song #6 is always the best one. but in this case, they all are the best. it's hard to choose one because just when you are getting down and dirty into it......a better one comes along. if this cd was getting the air time it desereved, the band would definitly get a grammy for "best album of the year" and best new artist of the year!

  • author: rick

    latinos from l.a. with a british rock style influence. sound interesting? then check them out. they are great.

  • phwoar its amazing!
    author: Phoebe.

    Love it! Listened to it from start to finish the minute i got it and have done many times since! Each song is unique; i dont feel the need to skip tracks to find ones i like. I've a feeling TheTenderBox are going to go far, hope i helped!! x

  • Awesome, still rocking
    author: yapheh

    This album was awesome, I loved every single song on this album, I let friends borrow it and they fell in love. The Tender Box rocks

  • Off The Hook!
    author: Jay

    I usually dont buy CDs since i bought my iPod and just download mp3s. But I was so psyched about this album that i had to get the music one way or another. This album rocks! Keep up the GREAT work!

  • Fantastic tunes with catchy guitar riffs
    author: Josh

    This CD is irrefutably the best set of tunes from a new artist I've ever heard. The tracks are all great in their own way; ranging from up-beat fabulous tunes, to slower more melodic summery songs. This album is a must-buy and I would recommend it to anyone who's into Indie/Soft Rock/similar genres. If you want decent, catchy tunes, the Score is the way to go. (Why they're not signed is beyond me!) P.S. Gemma rocks too :)

  • author: Mike

    This is one of my best finds in years, it is gonna be the best album of the year! Be cool and buy it now, before all your friends flock like sheep to best buy, once The Tender Box hits it big.

  • catchy, sharp, happy, sad, what more could you want!?
    author: love, love, love IT!

    Best album I've bought this year and I'm a bit of a album junkie! Every song stands out with and indivdual sound. The album really get you in the mood to dance and puts a smile on your face! Stand out songs for me would be media lies and the score, and if your feeling down place called home is a winner!

  • Awesome catchy rock
    author: Max

    This CD is fantastic, and these guys are even better live! If you want good, catchy, uptempo rock music, look no further. Destined for greatness.

  • Awesome up-tempo dance rock!
    author: James

    After hearing Mister Sister, I knew I had to get the album (you can listen to it too at http://www.myspace.com/tenderbox). I wasn't disappointed. If you like other tracks up on MySpace, then you'll definitely like this album. Every song is as good as the next!

  • Brilliance
    author: Beni

    I am still in shock by how amazing this album is. From the first track it's catchiness pulls you in and makes you want to get up and break out in dance (or sporatic jumping). It's the perfect mix of modern rock n' roll with tracks that will remind you of artists from ALL genres. More importantly, they're not shoving a message down your throat and working too hard to represent some kind of new age popular culture. All in all Kick ass and buy it!

  • Ridiculously grooveable.
    author: Gemma

    I don't know why this band isn't signed cos this CD is fab, particularly if you like the Killers or ANY band with good melodies that are fun to dance to. My friend described it as 'OC music' which I guess means summery and happy (particularly the song Mister Sister). Get it! It is very fab.

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