w/ THE BOYFRIENDS
NOTTINGHAM, SOCIAL: 09.12.04
After Hearing whispers of good things and promises of a band that have that extra something I was quietly excited to see The Boyfriends. They came on stage looking somewhat unlikely heroes, but with an air of arrogance and determination to show the world what they were all about they looked like they could fit the bill. This entrance however was the high point of there set, unfortunately I can’t share everyone’s optimism that The Boyfriends misery pop about dissatisfaction and bruised hearts is going to change mine and other peoples lives although they were tight, well thought out, melodic and did exactly what you expected them to do, they just seemed to miss that bit of passion and in the half hour I just didn’t hear anything that made them stand out from the crowd.
I had been fortunate enough to catch New Rhodes play twice before and had been thoroughly blown away with there Strokes/Franz Ferdinand mix of guitar pop and catchy vocals. Their debut single released through Moshi Moshi records is perfect example of what they can do and has instant sing-along quality. ‘I Wish I Was You’ (the A side from there debut) was a high point of a blistering set full of energy, passion, excitement and pop tunes that retain there indie cool, something that songwriters and bands would sell anything but there guitar for. New Rhodes’ Influences are worn on their sleeves but they manage to mould them together, add energy and pop sensibility and create a set of songs that surely is any A&R mans dream.
Review by Rob Crich