Sandbox Studios Live (2022)

Released in 2022, Sandbox Studios Live marks both a musical milestone and a deeply personal achievement for Mike and Jon. These are the first official recordings made inside Sandbox Studios, a creative space the duo began constructing in 2019 and completed after COVID restrictions eased in 2022. The result is a four-track project that blends reunion energy, new creative direction, and the unmistakable spirit of live rock performance.

Half the album revisits beloved material from Glendora’s Box, captured during a reunion jam session. The other half introduces brand-new songs that reflect growth in both a musical and spiritual sense. Two distinct lineups shape the album. The first is the original Glendora’s Box lineup with Mike on guitar, Jon on bass, Bobbi Meikel as lead vocalist, Saint Buenrostro behind the drums, and Ron Sachs returning as the sound engineer for the live recordings. This group is responsible for “Dose of Rock and Roll” and “Mother Never Told Me So.” The second lineup has Mike on guitar and taking over vocals, Jon still on bass, Rocky Romano now on drums, and Rashon “RaMu” Murph on keyboard. Together, this quartet played “Down That Road” and “In Your Eyes.”

Take a listen to a preview of the album’s tracks below, then read on to find out the story and styles behind each song. If you want, you can also learn about the building of Sandbox studios and the recording of this album!

1. “Down That Road”

“Down That Road” stands as a defining moment for Sandbox Studios and a new chapter in Mike’s songwriting journey. It is his first openly and explicitly faith-based composition. Musically, the track delivers an upbeat, classic rock worship energy—bright guitar and keyboard tones, steady rhythm, and a sense of forward motion that mirrors the song’s central message. Lyrically, it speaks of following Jesus down the righteous path He’s designed for your life. It offers praise to Jesus Christ as Savior while expressing personal devotion and commitment to Him and His way. Rather than feeling heavy or overly solemn, the song carries joy. It’s celebratory and uplifting, feeding off the energy that classic rock so perfectly supplies.

2. “In Your Eyes”

“In Your Eyes” continues the upbeat tone but shifts from worshipful praise of God to the romantic devotion of spouses. It fuses classic rock warmth with sentimental sincerity. The song centers on enduring love—an unbreakable connection between two partners. Though the relationship has existed for a long time, it still feels wonderfully new. The passion hasn’t faded; it burns as brightly as it did at the beginning. The lyrics emphasize mutual devotion, shared joy, emotional intimacy, and a willingness to do anything for one another.

“In your eyes,” that is, the eyes of his spouse, the singer sees that same fire he has for her reflected back at him. The love is reciprocal, vibrant, and deeply rooted. There’s wholesomeness here—no cynicism, no complication, no baggage. Just gratitude and joy for a relationship that continues to flourish. The instrumentation supports that message with uplifting energy, creating one of the album’s most feel-good moments.

3. “Dose of Rock and Roll”

The third track shifts gears dramatically. “Dose of Rock and Roll” comes from the Glendora’s Box reunion session and immediately brings a heavier, more rebellious edge. The tempo isn’t frantic, but the intensity is unmistakable. Strong, steady keyboard lines push against a gritty guitar foundation, while the vocals carry bold, defiant energy. The message is simple but powerful: live freely, don’t worry about what other people say, and sing, dance, and embrace the awesomeness of rock and roll music.

The singer declares they’re going to “have it their way,” craving that undeniable, soul-soothing power of rock and roll. A standout guitar riff in the middle of the track delivers exactly what the lyrics promise—a pure, unfiltered dose of rock energy. And yet, as the song suggests throughout, the need for rock and roll never truly goes away. It’s not a phase—it’s part of who they are.

4. “Mother Never Told Me So”

Originally introduced on Leonard’s Opera and later revisited by Glendora’s Box, “Mother Never Told Me So” returns once more—this time recorded live in Sandbox Studios. The opening guitar is intense and commanding, immediately setting a tone of frustration and resolve. In this version, the perspective centers on a woman confronting a lover whose concern and affection have proven hollow. She recognizes indifference masked as care. The emotional neglect is no longer tolerable.

The refrain—“Mother never told me about the ones like you”—carries both disbelief and awakening. It’s a realization that some lessons about love are unfortunately learned the hard way. But there’s strength in the singer’s voice, and an unwillingness to curl up and be stepped on. She’s not here to subject herself to a meaningless relationship any longer, she’s made up her mind: the relationship is over.

This live recording captures raw emotion in a way that studio polish never could.

Conclusion

As a whole, Sandbox Studios Live captures something special: the sound of a band reconnecting with its roots while stepping confidently into a new season. It’s energetic, reflective, faithful, and unapologetically rock and roll—all within four tightly delivered tracks.

If you’re a fan of the classic rock feel and a fellow lover of Christ, we encourage you to listen to the full album and keep up with Mike and Jon’s latest projects! They’re always working on something and they have a song list decades deep.

🎧 Stream the album on Spotify or listen to more of their work on Apple Music and discover this new chapter in Mike and Jon’s musical history.
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