Ive been a huge fan of Boston Manor since their album ‘Welcome to the Neighbourhood’ was released. Tracks like ‘Halo’, ’The Day that I Ruined Your Life’ and ‘Flower in your Dustbin’ really moulded this album into a bit of an essential to me for a while. The diverse vocal delivery paired with some of the strongest new wave punk-esque rock hybrid instrumental gave a listening experience I was unaware existed, but as soon as you hear it, I promise you’ll be searching for something like it, bit no one else does it like BM does. Their next album ‘Glue’ was also a great body of work, with a diverse sound and made some great strides in the adaptation of Boston Manors new approach to music and songwriting. The explosive vocal delivery of the lead singer Henry Cox’s vocals are extremely unique, with some stunning use of emphasis, and alongside his amazing band, they all create a force to be reckoned with. Their latest track to drop called ‘Carbon Mono’ was released a few weeks ago, and the least I can say is that it’s definitely something you’ll want to check out.
Ill start by saying that ‘Carbon Mono’ has a great opener, it’s violent and aggressive like the beginning of a Slipknot track, immediately drawing me in to the next few minutes. I got goosebumps in the first thirty seconds from all that attack of the instrumental, props to their brilliant guitarists Ash Wilson and Dan Cunniff for such a brilliant performance here, it’s hair raising stuff. In my head I was constantly going ’holy shit, BM have really upped their game’, the drum line is just stunning from Jordan Pugh, and the use of the synth really adds to the overall futuristic vibes of the track. I can’t sing Hery Cox’s praises enough, as he has some amazing vocals throughout, with some really cutting trademark emphasis.
That synth - man it really gives this track a jarring edge that I’m loving, it’s keeping me on my toes as far as the instrumental is concerned, and I love the sense of the unknown it’s playing on. The cuts between the instrumental are so natural it feels perfectly organic, earning the breakdown later on from the buildup. This track is a certified headbanger, the chaos of the vocals just adds to the vibe and it’s just a treat for the ears, and a song I’m sure will absolutely go off live. The scream is hair raising and well earned from the lead, with two tone lyrics on the breakdown really helping add to that tone, so great job Mike Cunniff for some superb vocal layering. The use of silence is also great with the building synth and drum machine, I’m left hoping for something big in that ending but it leaves you wanting more, cannot complain, what a banger.
As far as shortcoming goes, I can’t seem to find any. This powerhouse of a single really builds on the foundations that ‘Welcome to the Neighbourhood’ and ‘Glue’ made, whilst also having its own identity. I like the writing as well, and feel as if it might be playing into a narrative that may later unfold potentially on a new project or EP. Whatever it is, I’m very exited to see what’s next.
Rating - 9/10
TLDR; Another great track from Boston Manor, the instrumental and vocals meld together to create a strong track that can certainly end up defining a future project with a benchmark sound.
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