Boris, Ian Astbury BXI

What do you call a collaboration between Japanese heavy rock combo Boris and vocalist/co-founder of the Cult Ian Astbury? Most outlets will likely say "unexpected." Another angle is the meeting of the two "Keep Busys." The ever-busy Boris have received numerous accolades from name-brand rockists and rockers, especially in the past decade. Astbury has built a life after the the Cult filled with side projects (Holy Barbarians) and guest spots (the Doors, Slash). Though the two camps certainly operate in different fields of rock, they share an appreciation of heavy riffs. No surprise, then, that Astbury asked Boris to open for one of the on-again-off-again Cult reunion tours. Though that never happened, the BXI EP has become the consolation prize. Astbury went to Japan to record with the band in April 2010. The EP includes three originals featuring Astbury and a cover of the Cult's "Rain" sung by Boris guitarist Wata. BXI is scheduled to be released on LP, CD and digital formats in September 2010 on Southern Lord and Daymare Recordings.

Abstract by Dan Nishimoto