Boston Manor seem like they’ve been around for a while with all they have achieved so far in their short career. Despite this being the bands first full length record they have already toured with the likes of Knuckle Puck and Moose Blood as well as having performed at 2000 Trees and Slam Dunk festivals and with a headline tour and another run with Moose Blood on the horizon, the future is looking bright for the boys from Blackpool. With this release the band are looking to join a crop of growing UK bands to emerge in recent years such as the aforementioned Moose Blood and Creeper but do they have the songs to take them to those heights?
You can bet your bottom dollar they do. The album comes roaring out the traps with album opener Burn You Up coming out in frenetic pace with drummer Jordan Pugh immediately putting his influence on proceedings before the bands signature sound that combines pop punk, emo and alt rock all into one big mix. The songs raw sound combined with the catchy melodies of vocalist Henry Cox creates a really entertaining, fun and emotional sound on top of the emotional landscape that is creating making a great opening to the album.
Lead single Laika ups the emo and pop punk styles of their sound and gives the album a lot more in the fun department before Kill Your Conscience comes in with an intro that sounds like an alt rock BMTH before a post hardcore like sound comes through in the verses that really shows of the vocal ability of the aforementioned Cox. The chorus of the song is also huge, reminding the listener of a lot of the work Neck Deep have been doing lately, good company to be keeping.
As good as this all is so far, the highlight comes in the form of the 8th track, This Song Is Dedicated To Nobody. Although the track focuses mostly on the alt rock sound, wha stands out most again is the drumming of the previously mentioned Pugh. His talent shines through greatly on this song as his tempo changes and bursts of speed keep the reader well and truly on his/her toes long after the first listen. Combine all of that with the vocal melodies and instrumental landscape and we are given a brilliantly captivating song worthy or any British rock band.
The album closes with a more atmospheric alt rock number in the form of Fossa. With a slow building intro leading into a huge chorus, the song follows the alt rock structure of album closes very well but what Boston Manor have is enough talent to separate themselves from the bunch and that is evident on this track. The drums and guitar both stand out here as they make a more interesting proposition to this style of song and make it a very good way to end what is a very well written and entertaining album.
Overall, there are a lot of positives on this record that show signs of what a great band Boston Manor can become. The drummer and vocalist especially have the talent to ensure that this band can go all the way. Be sure to catch them on the headline tour later this year because these songs are gonna be huge!
9/10 – Brilliant album from a band with a bright future
Highlight: This Song Is Dedicated To Nobody