Bopping B-Boys Track

Late yesterday, B-Boys dropped another tune from their forthcoming Dudu LP, which is now only a few weeks away from release. But, while their previous singles this go-round have been these short punchy jaunts, this new number stretches beyond the four minute mark. Interestingly, it still holds onto the same propulsive art-punk vibe with sort of indifferent spoken-word delivery; it does differ with touches more of instrumental work where the band are able to flex their muscles, only building tension in their songwriting for the emotional release of the listener. It’s supposed to offer up a bit of respite from the “instant pace” in everything we do, which perhaps is why the band have chosen to sit back and let you explore this track a little more. Dudu drops via Captured Tracks on July 26th.

B Boys Announce Dudu

I don’t think enough folks appreciate the work that’s being done by B Boys (the band not the breaker — though they can break, I’m sure). Two albums in of incredibly spastic art rock with a sharpness like no other current band, and still we fawn over the imitators. Today they announce Dudu (I’m thinking its a reference to the Brazilian soccer player), and man, they do so in brilliant fashion. Those angular guitar daggers jump right in, keeping that off-kilter drive alive while the vocals are half-spoken half-wailed emphatically through your speaker. I think what I’m digging on upon first few listens is that there’s this heavier riff keeping the song pushing forward; it’s not all angles and what not…plus that rhythm section rules. The group look to be working pretty hard on the road, with dates scattered from July to September (hopefully with Dumb and Omni…if I’m picking my dream line-up); Dudu drops on July 26th via Captured Tracks.

Another Tune from Gift Wrap

As a huge fan of the work that Captured Tracks has done, particularly that of Mike Sniper and Blank Dogs, I’m extremely excited for Gift Wrap. The band is the creation of Brendan Avalos of B Boys, who you know I already enjoy, but this is something quite different. This is soulful electronica. Avalos delivers this heavy vocal, deep in the heart of the mix, contrasting against the vibrant musical touches; I really love the distant vocal effect that comes in around 1:30. If you’ve been missing thoughtful electronica, or maybe even Blank Dogs, then be sure to check out Losing Count, which drops on March 2nd.

Gift Wrap Announces Debut Album

One of my favorite albums from last year was B-Boys jamming Dada LP. So, news breaks that the band’s Brendon Avalos is releasing his debut under his solo Gift Wrap moniker and I’m salivating about what’s in store. You can see some sonic similarities, especially in the way some of the vocals are stretching notes, but overall, this has an entire different feel. Honestly, it sounds like a sharper produced version of Blank Dogs, which makes sense seeing that this project will be released by Captured Tracks. I will say that I think this is more guitar influenced in structure, but maybe I’ve yet to have enough coffee today. Losing Count will be released on March 2nd.

Top Albums of 2017

Lists are arbitrary and burdensome, but why not join the fun everyone else is having? We gathered our lists, separate lists for all of us, then combined them into one that had 50 albums. What you get here are the four writers/contributors of ATH, giving you their meaningless opinions on what we thought was the jam in 2017. It’s alphabetical, and we put the initials next to it so you could track down your enemy!

 

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Show Preview: Merchandise and B-Boys @ the Sidewinder

I’ve been really looking forward to this show for awhile, as I’m wholly stuck on B-Boys new record, Dadism. The band have this old school punk vibe, though thrown into a world of odd structures and a sense of urgency…it’s like if Parquet Courts had gotten artier (and better). Plus, the headliner is Merchandise, who always put on a really great show, continuing to impress with their constantly changing vibe. Street Themes will also be going on early to kick off the night. Doors at 6:30 over at Sidewinder, so be there or risk missing out on one of the best shows coming in town this summer.

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One Last B Boys Single Before Dadaism

Dadaism is headed our way next Friday, and before it drops, B Boys have opted to hand out one last single to tease. I love the band’s blend of art punk with slight new wave flare; it brings an added layer to their sound, which illustrates just how quickly they’ve grown into their sound. They then fade the song out in an exciting fashion, rolling noise and vocals into one rolling ball that walks you out the door. I have a feeling these guys will be household names at some point…at least at my house.

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Fresh Pop from B Boys

Up until now, B Boys were a frantic sort, akin to artful pop vibes being stuck in a blender. But, bands grow, and this new single should signal huge things from the band as we near the release of Dada. I don’t know if it’s just me or not, but I definitely feel a nod to English Beat, particularly in some of the vocal inflections…not a bad thing at all. Plus, the casual vibe and rock n’ roll sound were enough to grab my interest from the start. Can’t wait to sink my teeth into this one; the LP comes out via Captured Tracks on June 16th.

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Breezy Rocker From B Boys

B Boys are a Brooklyn three piece making high intensity punk gems, or it least that seems to be the case on this new song/video.The sound on “Energy” reminds me of Ought in a lot of ways– the vocals are a bit detached from the instruments, but their delivery builds over the course of the track, spiraling out of control in to a barrage of quick lyrics in the last thirty seconds. To put it frankly, there’s a lot of Energy going on in the song as well as the video below, guitars cut through the mix with persistent punk intensity while front man spits line after line at you with a tone that only grows more heated. Take a peak below and just try not to feel amped up for the rest of your day.

Dada, the band’s upcoming full-length, will be out June 16th viaCaptured Tracks. Keep your ears to the ground for more from B Boys.

 

Hell Yeah! New B-Boys!

B-Boys teased us with an EP not too long ago, but looks like they’re ready to keep also you proto-punks bouncing about your room this year with their debut full length, Dada. From the moment you press go, jittery guitars jump at you while the bass bubbles just beneath; it’s delivered in a frenetic pacing, matching the dadaism dreams of the band members. Just as you think these guys are settling into their spastic groove, they bring in a few noisier elements scattering all sensibility in every which direction. Captured Tracks release the LP on May 19th, which can’t come soon enough.

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