Sandbox

Rank #37 Los Angeles, CA Alternative / Indie / Rock

About

Members: Shane Sweet, Daniel Rodriguez, Morgan Paros, Kevin Crimi, Chris Thornberry, and Nick Tracz

Sounds Like: The Beatles, Nirvana, Beck, Silversun Pickups, Neutral Milk Hotel

Bio: Los Angeles band Sandbox blends vintage tones with indie dance rock rhythms and dabbles in hip-hop, country, and acoustic driven songs to add a few pieces of flare. Sandbox began in 2009 as the recording project of Shane Sweet, but since has been joined by Daniel Rodriguez on drums, Kevin Crimi ... See Full Bio

More Info

Status

We're number 37 on the ReverbNation Alternative charts for Los Angeles, CA. www.reverbnation.com/sandboxmusic

Press

"Whatever IT is, Sandbox seems to have IT." "The vocal abilities from Sweet are to die for." "...vibe of the production is very defiant, rebellious and a bit comical with pockets of hope shining through." "...a diamond in the rough, with an amazing amount of potential. As time goes by he will no doubt hear more from them." "... extremely determined and passionate about the songwriting craft." "...reminds me of Panic at the Disco, Ben Harper, Dave Matthews Band and The Animal Liberation Orchestra." "...letting it all hang out via this compelling 10 track line up" "...hits the mark remarkably well by just by being who they are musically." "All songs strike the perfect balance between rock, Alternative Rock and dramatics Earthy Folk." "The songwriting is impressive and digs a bit deeper than the next independent band." "...pure musical mojo."

— Michael Morrison , Music Emissions

"Sandbox has way too much precision and clarity to live in the shadows of overly-predictable Pop Rock." "Ben Gibbard meets Dashboard Confessional." "...commercially viable with a fresh sound and an entertaining vibe that makes a real connection with the listener."

— Drew Blackwell, Rock 'n Roll View

"Sandbox will affirm your faith in music again." "...there are a few select artists out there that still believe in the power of music. Artists like Los Angeles based 7 piece Alt-Band Sandbox for example." "...wonderfully conservative yet full of what I would call positive Psychedelic Folk-Rock energy with music that appeals to so many different senses on so many different levels." "...appeal to both advanced and novice listeners alike. Whatever kind of listening level you’re on..." "Like a three layered cake “Me & Him and Horse” is one CD that has allot of depth and has so much to offer. Weather it’s musically, lyrically, inspirationally, emotionally, spiritually – if you feel like music is taking us in the wrong direction than rest assured Sandbox with Shane Sweet is taking us back in the right direction with Me & Him and Horse." "...a darker version of Panic at the Disco, a touch of Pearl Jam, The Minus 5, Tom Petty."

— Michael Keith, Independent Music Promotions

“Muzik_____10 Mojo_____9 Magik_____9 Musicianship_____8 Mix_____8 Message_____8 Mass Appeal_____7 Meteorology_____HOT Might I spin this at a party_____YES Might I recommend this to a friend_____LIKELY Most Fav_____Doesn’t Really Matter”

— Janne Vee Zawa, Jan Van Zee

"What does a band like Radiohead, The Young Veins and Patrick Stump have that Sandbox don’t have? Not much if you ask me..." "...an Indie-Rock swagger to it with a deep seeded earthy-Folk aftertaste." "My Top 3 tracks “Puzzles in the Pavement, Streetlights, Doesn’t Really Matter." "Me & Him and Horse buy Sandbox stands out from other Indie-Alt Bands within this saturated market. Their answer to mundane music is to deliver something unique with a superlative signature sound to call their own. The strong suit of Sandbox are their passion, solid musicianship and thought provoking melodies. One would be wise to keep a watchful eye on Shane Sweet and these cats over the years to come."

— Rory Richardson, SKOPE Magazine

"...brilliantly delivered with a richly woven Alternative-Rock texture with songs that have serious popish staying power." "I’ve Never Heard an Artist so Skillfully Combine so many Genre’s into One Unique Sound" "This CD spoke to me personally and inspired me on so many different levels." "If there was one word I would use to describe Shane Sweet and Sandbox it would be diversified. This CD will simply make your day more entertaining, but there is an undeniable passion beneath all this. Sandbox is a capable songwriter but it’s obvious to me his primary goal as an artist is to blow your mind one song at a time." "...a very pure and genuine sound that grabs the listener right from the get go."

— Michael Rand, All What's Rock

"Upbeat, funny, interesting, thought provoking, melodic and highly entertaining. Musical textures reminiscent of Jack Johnson, Matchbox 20, Rob Thomas and even Kenny Loggins – anything indie and melancholy but fun." " Great vibe. Perfect for late night college parties, coffeehouses, or even magazine shops. The production delivers a lot of earthy musical variety. Honorable mentions go out to amazing musicianship of Shane Sweet. He is no doubt the Musical Mastermind. I give him high marks for not being afraid to let it all hang out musically. Sweet is not trying to be some popish artist striving for mass appeal – he’s just being himself. The CD refuses to try to hard – that’s what makes it so amazing." "The songwriting is clearly above average. The production gets it’s point across. Again the most amazing thing about this CD is Sweet's vocals and impressive production virtuoso. He’s clearly a premier talent. Fans of carefree Alternative-College Rock will love this CD no

— Markus Druery, Indie Shark

"Sweet has the creativity and songwriting prowess to be extremely dangerous." "...there is nothing fake and superficial about Sandbox." "...impressive is how marketable this 10 song catalogue truly is to a cult fan base. It covers so much ground and despite this it manages to not spread itself to thin across to many lines – nice touch. I’ve always said if you can play it a party, then it’s marketable. The music is extremely marketable – with a fresh sound that is passionate and entertaining very much like, well Sandbox themselves. All 10 tracks will genuinely lift your spirits but intrigue the mind as well unlike most music you hear on the radio these days."

— Heather Savage edited by David McAlister, This Is Vibes

"Pro music crafted to conjure thoughts of indie-film romance through Instagram filters."

— Jessica Aves, Music Connection

"The songwriting offers a brilliant perspective and the lyrical content is very thought provoking and very compelling." After spending some quality time with Sandbox featuring Shane Sweet - Me & Him and Horse it’s hard to find any real weaknesses. Instead as the CD progressed I became more and more impressed with it. The musicianship is first rate, the songs are short and sweet musical experiences. Each one possessing a unique personality, flair, and signature groove. What I like most about Sandbox besides the unique signature sound is there is no attempt to sugar coat the truth anywhere on the CD. I really admire artists out there who are themselves and just let the chips fall where they may. Praise goes out to artists that can show us something genuine beneath their veil of vanity - Sandbox featuring Shane Sweet is one of these artists.

— Cyrus Rhodes, Indie Music Digest

“Fringe Fest vet Shane Sweet spearheads Sandbox, playing most of the instruments, and he cleverly gets the most out of basic musicianship. Sweet, whose "Speakeasy" project has recreated '20's era clubs, here affects a strangled, nasally vocal persona on his mildly hooky material. "Tried and Tried" reminds us of a stripped down Arcade Fire. "Doesn't Really Matter" employs a plinking piano in another low-key arrangement that allows the drama to build. While Sweet's voice is not for everyone, his alt-vision is consistently intriguing. ”

— Music Connection

“Check out Sandbox's Review in Vents Magazine!”

— Vents Magazine

"This is a fantastic track worth many listens!"

— LA Song Review

“Check out Shane doing an interview with Mark from Rock Over America!”

— Rock Over America

“Exclusive Sandbox Interview with Indie Music Digest!”

— Cyrus Rhodes, Indie Music Digest

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Tried and Tried

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Tried and Tried

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Doesn't Really Matt…

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Puzzles In Pavement

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Memories

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Shows

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Sat
Jun 1

Fuller Stage
Pasadena, CA, US | 7:00pm
Fuller Stage
Pasadena, CA, US
Sat Jun 01 7:00pm
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Sandbox Performing at Make Music Pasadena. One Summer Day and Night where 150 bands converge on Pasadena and bring in the heat! Set Time: 7:10-7:40pm
Fri
May 24

Fenix 5-4
Whittier, CA, US | 8:00pm
Fenix 5-4
Whittier, CA, US
Fri May 24 8:00pm
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Sandbox playing an acoustic gig at Fenix 5-4 event including free Disneyland ticket giveaways and much more! Sandbox 11pm
Fri
Mar 29

El Cid Theater
Hollywood, CA, US | 7:00pm
El Cid Theater
Hollywood, CA, US
Fri Mar 29 7:00pm
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Sandbox returns home from Spring Tour and SXSW with a fun night at East Side Haunt El Cid with Polybuzz and some more fun friends to be named later!
Thu
Mar 21

The Royal Dive Bar
Oceanside, CA, US | 8:00pm
The Royal Dive Bar
Oceanside, CA, US
Thu Mar 21 8:00pm
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Sandbox at The Royal Dive!
Wed
Mar 20

the Shakedown Bar
San Diego, CA, US | 8:00pm
the Shakedown Bar
San Diego, CA, US
Wed Mar 20 8:00pm
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BLACK BEAST REVIVAL, MIDNIGHT SPIN & SANDBOX $5 DOORS: 8 PM / SHOW: 9 PM BLACK BEAST REVIVAL is high energy dark sexy rock and roll characterized by heavy pounding animalistic drumbeats, torrid guitar solos and heavy bass lines with a vocal soul that rein in an eclectic and satisfying sound. Black Beast Revival began caressing the Northwest in early 2011 with a sound that touches all aspects and avenues of rock and roll. Composed of four good looking and musically talented individuals; the driven, high-energy group creates a soul-satisfying experience that is sexual and addictive. . .The resulting sound is diverse and well-respected enough to have played with a wide variety of musical acts. From Northwest Hard Rock bands like Witch Burn and Pierced Arrows (Dead Moon), to underground music legends such as Igor and the Red Elvises, platinum selling group Marcy Playground and the legendary King of surf rock Dick Dale. No show is without excitement and energy, and each member’s stage presence builds on an already stellar act. Zack delivers a vigorous and lively performance, all the while maintaining a precise and crystalline musical execution. Bill is as much a part of his drum set as the high hat and cowbell, melding with the drums until man and instrument are a singular being – the resulting style comparable to none. Brice’s smooth groove is enticing and magnetizing, his complex riffs look both effortless and intimidating. Erin James’ finely crafted stage presence, from crazed and harried to smooth and sensual, pulls the crowd into fevered devotion and creates a hunger for music and that many find insatiable. Each song is unique, yet hints at almost every sub-genre of rock and roll; generating a vibe only felt when in the presence of musical greatness. As the music grabs hold, the need to move a little closer, open your ears a little wider and lose yourself in the sound is both insatiable and it becomes undeniable that Black Beast Revival is Rock! MIDNIGHT SPIN: Fourteen months ago, in a cheap hotel room on the outskirts of Bangkok, drummer Danny Scull emailed a video of himself, singing, to his oldest friend and band mate Michael Corbett. The sound quality was terrible, and Scull had been awake for almost three days. For some musicians, inspiration can strike at any time, and this is exactly how Midnight Spin operates. Corbett crammed the lyrics, sped off to a Manhattan recording studio, and laid down the blistering final vocal track for the band’s debut album Don’t Let Me Sleep, due out January 15. Not that this is anything new for them. The two friends have been writing songs, breaking amps, and generally forging a musical bond since their days in middle school having grown up together on the north side of Washington DC. However, it wasn’t until 2008 when they washed up on the shores of Brooklyn that Midnight Spin began to take shape. Originally conceived as an alt-rock four-piece, fate and chaos led them to enlist fellow NYC newcomers Ben Waters on bass and guitarist Jim Terranova. Before long, keyboardist Jeremy Cohen was lured from Boston, and the band has been proving it out on the road ever since. By 2012, Midnight Spin was ready to heed the call of the recording studio and answer with a few Corbett banshee screams of their own. Produced by Justin Gerrish (Vampire Weekend, the Strokes, Weezer), Don’t Let Me Sleep is the result of endless bleary-eyed practice sessions and late night stumbling across the East River that has inspired and yielded a full-length album worthy of its name. From Cohen spacing the record with wurlitzers and organs to Scull bashing it out like the Grohl of yore, the twelve-song LP combines 90s alternative and punk energy with modern indie elements from their Brooklyn home. As Consequence of Sound writes, “Imagine if Foo Fighters somehow grew up as fans of early the Killers with a little of the Strokes tossed in for flavor.” It’s an album that just can’t stop chasing the night. Don't Let Me Sleep scrapes together everything you once loved about rock music and makes it hum again like a dirty, little noise-box from the future. Catch the band on tour in a city near you. SANDBOX: Los Angeles band Sandbox blends vintage tones with indie dance rock rhythms with hip-hop, country, and acoustic driven songs tossed in for flare. Sandbox began in 2009 as the recording project of Shane Sweet, but since he has been joined by Daniel Rodriguez on drums, Kevin Crimi on guitar/vocals, Nick Tracz on bass, Chris Thornberry on keys/percussion/uke/mandolin, with Morgan Paros playing violins/percussion. "Songs for Friends, Family and the Times," the first full length release (then under the moniker Sandbox Rebel, which had to be changed due to legal reasons in 2011) led to a West Coast tour as well as performances in the UK for BBC Radio 1, The Glasgow Green Festival and The Fringe. In the same year "Sandbox Presents" was born. "Sandbox Presents" shows are art installations which the band books itself and consists of different environments and worlds to stage the show in. A Night In the Woods was the 2010 installation and saw a Los Angeles warehouse turned into a forest complete with butterflies, fireflies, owls, snow, aerialists and more. The 2012 installation entitled The Speakeasy, was set in Prohibition Era Griffith Park and coincided with the release of the second full length record from Sandbox called "Me & Him and Horse," produced by Dave Cooley (Silversun Pickups/Mickey Avalon.) 2012 saw 4 US tours for Sandbox and 2013 promises to be busy again as they already have 4 tours booked for 2012 in addition to their 3rd full length album due out Sept. 2013. 2013 also features 4 showcases at SXSW and another CMJ showcase (they played both in 2012 along with Worldfest, the Indie Music festival of Las Vegas, the Brooklyn Film Festival, and the LA Indie Film and Music Summit).

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The Original Room
Thanks for being our fan! Great tunes. -The OR
DIVE BOMBER
nice
Skarred Kage
Great work here! Alex Skarred Kage
the johnnie squizzerc...
what a superb set! enjoying my first visit and there will doubtless be many others in future!
Wooden Robot
Great music really enjoyed the listen.