Listening to Boys No Good's upcoming full-length, Never Felt Better, is quite a blast from the past. At times Pop Punk can be somewhat of a rigid genre, so each time that we tell you a certain band stands out from the rest, we mean it. Having said this, don't let any part of this record review mean any less, because you're about to hear it again.
The Jacksonville 5-piece have certainly come a long way since releasing their demo in late 2009. Featuring members of Casey Jones and Kids Like Us, the band is now ready to release their debut full-length on Indianola Records. If you liked what you heard on the band's previous demo, then you're almost guaranteed to enjoy their album.
Never Felt Better is one of those records that makes its roots very apparent. I'm not entirely sure if it's because Boys No Good covered the band on their demo, but The Mighty Mighty Bosstones appear to be a major influence. Over the course of repeatedly listen to the record, at times it even felt like the only thing missing was a set of horns to kick in. Various aspects of the record are considerably raw, in an entirely beneficial sense. As well as a large portion of the music, Jeff's vocals once again take me back to the Bosstones, while Bob's drumming reminds me of bands to the tune of early Goldfinger; it's as though these influences have been brewed together with their more modern counterparts, namely gang vocals and Pop Punk melodies. Other noteworthy influences would also include bands such as Daggermouth, The Movielife, and New Found Glory. It's not to say that these are unique comparisons, but rather accurate and renowned ones.
The album starts off with a short, instrumental intro that mixes right into Bold City Tigers; a track that's guaranteed to hook first-time listeners and please those expecting more of what they hear. Buried At Sea, the third track on the record, is another of the originally found on the band's demo. This one's also been mixed to sound as though the first three tracks are one. Being one of the shorter and fastest of the twelve, this song showcases the band's Hardcore extremity, with one of the most compelling choruses of the lot. Cut Your Heart Out is next on the list of standouts on the record. This one also made an appearance on the aforementioned demo, and is back massively improved. The track's highpoint is without a doubt the intro; powered by an iconic, '90s Pop Punk guitar riff that you'll find yourself quickly moving to. End Of A Good Thing is yet another from the demo, and quite possibly the strongest track on the record, which I found to be the most engaging track. If you're anything like me, you'll find yourself singing the line sometimes the end of a good thing can come so soon, it's such a pleasure cutting ties with you in your head, before even knowing the songs by name.
In many ways, this record is the epitome of the Pop Punk/Hardcore genre, as it blends a vast amount of musical elements from various eras, in the most natural and genuine manner. Never Felt Better is sure to hit the sweet spot for fans of all of the above-mentioned genres and bands, since absolutely nothing is over-done and carefully assembled. It's not often that a single album has the potential to appeal to a diverse audience, but I believe this one hits the nail on the head. I predict the band's full-length will launch them into the next stage of their careers and allow them to receive the attention they deserve.
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