CANDLEBOX *****

Candlebox is an American alternative rock band from Seattle, Washington. Since their debut, the group has released four studio albums, which have achieved multi-platinum and gold certification, as well as numerous charting singles, a compilation, and a CD+DVD.

The band has toured with such bands as Living Colour, The Flaming Lips, Our Lady Peace, Rush, Henry Rollins, Aerosmith, Godsmack, and Metallica. They were also a featured band on the main-stage at Woodstock '94 and made repeat live performances on Late Show with David Letterman.

Candlebox was the first successful act on Madonna's Maverick Records, which went on to sign Alanis Morissette, Deftones, and The Prodigy. After troubles with the label, however, Candlebox went on hiatus in 2000 after an alleged attempt to be freed from their contract. The band reunited in 2006, releasing their first studio album in 10 years and touring extensively.

History

Formed in November 1990, the Candlebox originally went by the name Uncle Duke; they changed their name the following year, purportedly inspired by lyrics from the Midnight Oil song "Tin Legs and Tin Mines." The band was originally composed of Kevin Martin on lead guitar and vocals and Scott Mercado on drums. They then added Peter Klett on guitar and Bardi Martin on bass in late 1991.

Rise to fame and hiatus (1993-2000)

In their early career, Candlebox was occasionally looked down upon by members of the grunge movement; they criticized Candlebox's style and image as riding the grunge bandwagon. Nevertheless, the band played the Seattle club circuit and toured relentlessly.

Their persistence paid off when their 8-song demo tape gained the attention of Maverick Records. On July 20, 1993, Candlebox released their self-titled debut album. It sold more than 4 million copies and peaked at #7 on Billboard's album charts. Candlebox featured the hit singles "Change," "You," "Far Behind," and "Cover Me." "Far Behind" entered Billboard's top 20 in July 1993, peaked at #18, and stayed on the charts until January 1994. The tremendous radio, concert, and television success gained them a main-stage slot at Woodstock '94 and put Candlebox at the forefront of the 1990s post-grunge scene.

On October 3, 1995, Candlebox released their sophomore album, Lucy. It was certified gold thanks to singles such as "Simple Lessons" and "Understanding." Two days after the release of Lucy, Candlebox appeared on Working Class Hero: A Tribute to John Lennon with their cover of "Steel and Glass." Drummer Scott Mercado left the band the following year and was replaced by former Pearl Jam member Dave Krusen.

On July 21, 1998, Candlebox released their third studio album, Happy Pills. While a return to the simpler sound of their debut, it gained only marginal success. The song "Glowing Soul" was also recorded for the soundtrack to The Waterboy and included at the request of Adam Sandler. Inspired by the film, the song was based on a Bo Diddley rhythm and recorded with vintage equipment.

The following year would be a turbulent foreshadowing in the band's career. Krusen departed from Candlebox in 1999 and was replaced by Shannon Larkin of Ugly Kid Joe. Bardi Martin also left to attend college and was replaced by Rob Redick, formerly of Dig. By 2000, Candlebox went on hiatus. According to Martin, the band was unhappy with their record contract and attempted to be freed from Maverick by disbanding. The label considered Martin the sole remaining band member, but after two years of disputes over recording an obligatory fourth Candlebox album, Martin was terminated. As of 2007, Martin has received no royalties from album sales since 2001 and won't until the fourth record is paid back. Other band members, however, do receive royalties.

The former Candlebox members would pursuit other musical endeavors during the 2000s; in 2005, Kevin Martin recorded and performed as frontman of The Hiwatts. Peter Klett served as the leader of redlightmusic.

Reunion (2006-present)

In 2006, Rhino Records planned to release a "Best of" compilation of Candlebox. Band members were contacted of the issue which prompted the original band lineup to reunite for the first time in 10 years. To promote the compilation, Candlebox embarked on a three-month North American tour from July to October of that year. Bardi Martin dropped from touring in 2007 to continue his education to become a lawyer, allowing Adam Kury to take his place. During the time, the band would begin writing new material despite having no record label.

After several delays, Candlebox released its first album in 10 years, Into the Sun, on July 22 via Silent Majority/ILG records. The album was produced by Ron Aniello (Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies) and features performances by both Scott Mercado and Dave Krusen on drums. The first single, "Stand," was released to radio in mid-May and Candlebox officially commenced touring in support of the new record in June 2008. "Stand" reached as high as #15 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart.

On July 4, 2008 Candlebox performed at the O'Fallon, Missouri Heritage and Freedom Fest in front of a record crowd. Two months later, the band released a live CD/DVD called Alive in Seattle.

On August 9, 2010 Candlebox kicked off a five-show stint overseas performing for U.S troops at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait and continued on to Iraq.

 

Musical style

Candlebox's musical style, while predominately hard rock, has a wide range of influences. Some of their songs have strong references to blues, jazz, grunge, rock and even glam metal. Despite various aforementioned classic roots, their music is very contemporary.