REVIEW: Boy Hero : Year One (EP)
BOY HERO - Year One
"Year One" is characterized by its highly emotive vocals, which convey a wide range of feelings and add depth to each track. The vocal delivery is raw and passionate, drawing listeners into the emotional core of the music. Complementing the vocals is the hard-hitting instrumentation, featuring intense guitar riffs, pounding drums, and driving bass lines that create a robust and energetic soundscape. The production quality ensures that each element shines, making the listening experience both thrilling and immersive.
What truly sets this EP apart is its beautifully written storytelling elements. Each song is crafted with attention to lyrical detail, weaving narratives that are both engaging and thought-provoking. The storytelling is seamlessly integrated into the music, enhancing the overall impact of the tracks.
Listeners should be prepared for the physical reaction that Boy Hero's music often elicits. The infectious energy and compelling rhythms may lead to involuntary head banging, as the EP's powerful beats and anthemic choruses take hold. "Year One" is not just an EP; it's a testament to Boy Hero's artistry and their ability to push the boundaries of the alternative post-hardcore genre, offering a fresh and exciting addition to their discography.
Track 1: Anteiku
"Anteiku," the opening track of the EP "Year One," sets a high bar for the rest of the album with its stunning blend of beautiful guitars and hard-hitting drums. The responsibility of opening an album or EP is substantial, but "Anteiku" not only meets this challenge head-on, it surpasses expectations with its masterful execution.
The track begins with smooth, melodic guitar lines that immediately draw the listener in, creating an atmosphere that is both inviting and evocative. These guitars are intricately layered, providing a rich and textured sound that serves as the backbone of the track. As the song progresses, the hard-hitting drums make their entrance, adding a powerful and dynamic element to the composition. The drums are not just a rhythmic foundation but a driving force that propels the song forward, ensuring that every beat resonates with impact.
The interplay between the guitars and drums is seamless, creating a harmonious balance that evokes a sense of hope and anticipation. This carefully crafted soundscape lays the groundwork for the emotional and musical journey that the EP promises. As "Anteiku" builds to its crescendo, it skillfully sets the stage for the second track, "Pretender, Remember," leaving listeners eager for what comes next.
"Anteiku" excels as an opening track because it encapsulates the essence of what makes "Year One" a compelling EP. It introduces listeners to Boy Hero's ability to blend melodic beauty with raw power, setting the tone for the entire album and ensuring that the journey begins on a high note.
Track 2: Pretender, Remember ft. Eric Kyu Bensen
Track 2, "Pretender, Remember," stands out with its high-octane energy and compelling musical elements. The song kicks off with dynamic, energetic drums that set a fast-paced and infectious rhythm, immediately grabbing the listener's attention. Complementing the drums are the heavy guitar riffs, which add a robust and gritty texture to the track, enhancing its overall intensity.
The vocals in "Pretender, Remember" are quintessentially pop-punk, characterized by their catchy melodies and spirited delivery. The vocal performance brings an emotional depth to the song, as the lyrics convey themes of defiance and introspection, resonating with the core of the pop-punk ethos. This combination of energetic percussion, powerful guitar work, and emotionally charged vocals creates a track that is both engaging and memorable, solidifying its place as a standout piece on the EP.
Check out the music video for “Pretender, Remember” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acWPQghpKMs
Track 3: Hayashi
"Hayashi" begins with an exhilarating introduction, featuring fast-paced, intricate percussion reminiscent of drum and bass. This electrifying opening sets an energetic tone that seamlessly transitions into the intense, hardcore sound that fans of Boy Hero have come to love. The vocals in this track are exceptionally powerful, bursting with fervor and vitality, effectively propelling the song forward with raw emotion. A notable highlight is the meticulously crafted yet straightforward guitar solo. This solo, while showcasing impressive technical skill, remains accessible and integrates perfectly with the overall composition, amplifying the track's intensity and contributing to its smooth, cohesive flow.
Track 4: In Choosing Both, You Lose Both
The atmosphere crafted at the beginning of this track is nothing short of mesmerizing, drawing listeners into a fully immersive auditory experience. The initial soundscape is meticulously designed to envelop the audience, creating a vivid and engaging environment that perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the track. As the music progresses, each element seamlessly falls into place, guided by the mood and tone established in the opening moments.
Although there are no sung lyrics in this piece, the track features spoken words from various characters, which adds a unique and compelling dimension. These spoken snippets are more than mere dialogue; they provide intriguing fragments of a larger narrative, hinting at a deeper story that lies beneath the surface. The characters' voices are carefully integrated into the composition, their words weaving through the music to enhance the overall atmosphere and engage the listener's imagination. This approach not only enriches the listening experience but also invites the audience to explore and piece together the broader context of the story being told.
Track 5: not turtley enough for The Turtle Club ft. Bad Feelings
Despite its quirky and somewhat enigmatic title, "Not Turtley Enough for The Turtle Club" is an emotionally charged song that delves into deeply personal themes. The track narrates a poignant story involving the struggles with alcohol and medication, offering listeners a raw and intimate glimpse into the artist's personal experiences and battles. The candid lyrics and emotive delivery make this song stand out within the EP, as it tackles sensitive topics with honesty and vulnerability. The heartfelt nature of the track provides a stark contrast to its lighthearted title, making it a profoundly impactful and memorable addition to the collection.
The track's breakdown is profoundly impactful and heavy-hitting, delivering a powerful punch that starkly contrasts with the rest of the song. This section delves deeper into the emotional landscape laid out by the lyrics, amplifying the intensity and depth of feeling. The raw power of the breakdown accentuates the lyrical themes, providing a visceral, almost cathartic experience that resonates deeply with the listener, making the emotional journey even more compelling and immersive.
Check out the music video for “not turtley enough for The Turtle Club” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZYdOF5xwqo
Track 6: lifeless, like you
One of the heaviest tracks on the EP is "Lifeless, Like You," which stands out as a powerful anthem within the collection. This track features intense belting vocals that convey raw emotion and a sense of urgency, complemented by piercing screams that amplify its hardcore energy. The vocal performance alone is a testament to the artist's ability to channel deep feelings through music.
Following the vocal onslaught, the song is driven by distorted guitars that create a wall of sound, delivering a gritty and aggressive sonic experience. These guitars are not just background elements; they actively shape the song’s identity with their harsh and unrelenting riffs. The interplay between the vocals and guitars crafts a chaotic yet cohesive soundscape that is both exhilarating and immersive.
"Lifeless, Like You" is a track that truly embodies the essence of the hardcore movement and punk genre. It captures the raw, unfiltered spirit that defines these styles, with its high-energy performance and rebellious attitude. The song’s structure and intensity make it a standout piece that resonates with fans of punk and hardcore music, offering an authentic and electrifying listening experience. The sheer force and passion behind this track highlight the artist's dedication to staying true to the roots of punk while pushing the boundaries of what hardcore music can achieve.
Check out the “lifeless,like you” music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Buvk-qTi0Ls
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Thank you for reading, to hear more of Boy Hero, check the links below for the social media and website!
-Kole
You can listen to Boy Hero and stream the Year One EP on spotify here:
https://open.spotify.com/album/0wxi7uGkWHT6CGkhBv1ZVD
Where to find Boy Hero:
https://m.youtube.com/c/boyhero
https://m.facebook.com/BoyHeroMusic/
https://www.instagram.com/iamboyhero/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/iamboyhero?lang=en
Written by Kole Cook
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