published: 20 /
10 /
2006
Label:
Boobytrap
Format: CD
Anthemic and stunning long-awaited debut from London indie guitar four piece, the Boyfriends
Review
I have been waiting for the Boyfriends' debut album release for ages now, and I have to say, much that I love the Killers new album 'Sam's Town', I preferred this album more
While it comes from a similar school of thought, 'The Boyfriends', which has been released on the small Boobytrap label rather than like 'Sam's Town' on major label Mercury , will sell a lot less copies and that is if you can even find it, I had trouble tracking it down on the day of release.
Martin Wallace (vocals), Richard Adderley (guitar), David Barnett (bass) and Paddy Pulzer (drums) serve up a decent side of modern life wrapped up in eleven class songs.
The album kicks off with 'Brave Little Soldiers' which is a strong little rocker with everything on it sounding full on and a vocal from Martin that is yearning and forward-looking.
'Speak Less and Listen' is an anthemic and fast hard rocker that makes the Boyfriends the 21st century's answer to Gene.
'British Summer Time' is a happy number, full of joy and with a groovy 60's beat, while 'A Fearless Heart' is a foot tapper from the start, which is reminiscent of the C-86 era.
'Remember', another rocker, is an album highlight. 'Adult Acne' was the band's second single, and has a great bass and drum intro from David and Paddy before Rich's guitar edges in. Martin's vocals glide along with the beats, and it is just perfect, another song to rejoice to.
'Once Upon A Time' was a third single and a wonderful track that is like a battle anthem and which should have been huge. 'Wonders Never Cease' is a number to throw yourself around the room to, while 'No Tomorrow' has a Cure feel, and a punky bass line that sounds like early Joy Division.
'I Love You', the band's debut single, makes an appearance towards the end of the album, and, making it debut CD pressing here and another strong anthem, reaches out like the classic that it is.
'There is Always Hope' sounds like it could have been recorded in the 70's with its hard intro, and prog like drums from Paddy. It is a better anthem than most bands write in their whole career, wonderfully loud, full of feedbacking guitars and, like the rest of the album, a complete joy.
Track Listing:-
1
Brave Little Soldiers
2
Speak Less And Listen More
3
British Summer Time
4
A Fearless Heart
5
Remember
6
Adult Acne
7
Once Upon A Time
8
Wonders Never Cease
9
No Tomorrow
10
I Love You
11
There Is Always Hope