Candlebox

Reunited after the release of their greatest hits album in 2006, Candlebox founding members Kevin Martin, Peter Klett, Bardi Martin, and Scott Mercado appear to be enjoying a renewal of popularity.

Candlebox hit the peak of their fame in the early 1990s, in part due to their Seattle origins and some similarity in tones to grunge bands. Candlebox have always claimed that their sound is more akin to traditional rock and roll, with some definite blues-y riffs thrown in, than it is to the post-grunge sound. The dark guitar tones and some of the ringing solos (such as those showcased on the 1994 hit “You” from their eponymous album) are reminiscent of the popular grunge bands, but in many other ways the band channels more of the energy from the South rather than the Northwest. In fact, in songs such as “Blossom”, Kevin Martin’s vocals are much more akin to Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes than the growling baritone of Vedder or Weiland in their early days.

The post-grunge label that has followed so many bands that came out after the successes of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Nirvana has often been an extreme misnomer, and Candlebox is no exception. Perhaps a resurgence under an indie label will allow them to put the past pigeonholing behind and have them receive the rock title they deserve.