Boy Versus Romeo
We featured Boy Versus Romeo quite a while back, and at the time I remember saying I was looking forward to hearing more when they got around to it. Luckily for us, the guys have now gotten around to it and dropped us a line letting us know about their new record, What Weighs Me Down, asking us to have a listen. I figured that seeing as I’d been raving about these guys, the least I could do would be to check things out!
As Prologue gets the EP going we’re thrown back into that upbeat and punk fuelled mix, the guitars leading the way with a hammering riff at the forefront, and a soaring lead line backing everything up. Building to the crescendo of the track we’re naturally led into the beginning of That’s More Than A Dress, That’s An Audrey Hepburn Movie, a track which we heard a rough version of the first time we checked these guys out. Upbeat and built around a catchy guitar line, this is a track which is going to get people involved, hook them onto the sound of the band and make them remember why it is that punk rock is such an infectious genre of music. Don’t be deceived into thinking that this is a simple track though as there’s far more to it than a simple tag, building the mix with layered vocals, a well mixed melodic section packed with hammering guitars, and a rhythm section which bolsters the whole mix to a whole new level. Sensibly paced throughout this is a track built for the live scene, the sort of thing which will get crowds jumping, singing, and loving every moment of what they’re hearing – definitely a track which has single potential moving forwards from here.
Say It Like You Mean It (feat Ian Kelly of Starters) comes up next and once again continues the upbeat mix that’s made the two previous tracks stand out so well. Powerful yet restrained enough to be accessible, this track is another one which is going to hook you in and keep you listening until the second it comes to a close. Adding in the different vocals to build on the dimensions of the track, there’s something deep about this one, harking towards an emotional edge without going over the top or taking it too far – another winning track in the waiting I reckon. It’s only left then for What Weighs Me Down to close the EP, finishing on another upbeat number which harks towards the likes of New Found Glory through the opening moments, offering up that catchy pop punk approach which is sure to get these guys a hell of a following. What I love about the closing moments here is how simple it is, it’s a straight forward track which does what it says on the tin, offers up a track which you’re going to be able to crank on, turn up and enjoy every moment of – which surely should be the point behind the music anyway!
We’ve had a lot of really heavy stuff coming in of late so it’s a pleasure to check out something a little lighter, something which is more hooky and fun than the all out metal. With Boy Versus Romeo you’re in for a damned good time, checking out the sorts of tracks which are sure to hook you in and simply enthuse you, make you want to get out to a show, and keep you listening until the band are done with you. Sure, there’s only 4 tracks here, but when they’re of a good quality like you’ve got here, 4 is all you need.
To find out more about Boy Versus Romeo, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
As Prologue gets the EP going we’re thrown back into that upbeat and punk fuelled mix, the guitars leading the way with a hammering riff at the forefront, and a soaring lead line backing everything up. Building to the crescendo of the track we’re naturally led into the beginning of That’s More Than A Dress, That’s An Audrey Hepburn Movie, a track which we heard a rough version of the first time we checked these guys out. Upbeat and built around a catchy guitar line, this is a track which is going to get people involved, hook them onto the sound of the band and make them remember why it is that punk rock is such an infectious genre of music. Don’t be deceived into thinking that this is a simple track though as there’s far more to it than a simple tag, building the mix with layered vocals, a well mixed melodic section packed with hammering guitars, and a rhythm section which bolsters the whole mix to a whole new level. Sensibly paced throughout this is a track built for the live scene, the sort of thing which will get crowds jumping, singing, and loving every moment of what they’re hearing – definitely a track which has single potential moving forwards from here.
Say It Like You Mean It (feat Ian Kelly of Starters) comes up next and once again continues the upbeat mix that’s made the two previous tracks stand out so well. Powerful yet restrained enough to be accessible, this track is another one which is going to hook you in and keep you listening until the second it comes to a close. Adding in the different vocals to build on the dimensions of the track, there’s something deep about this one, harking towards an emotional edge without going over the top or taking it too far – another winning track in the waiting I reckon. It’s only left then for What Weighs Me Down to close the EP, finishing on another upbeat number which harks towards the likes of New Found Glory through the opening moments, offering up that catchy pop punk approach which is sure to get these guys a hell of a following. What I love about the closing moments here is how simple it is, it’s a straight forward track which does what it says on the tin, offers up a track which you’re going to be able to crank on, turn up and enjoy every moment of – which surely should be the point behind the music anyway!
We’ve had a lot of really heavy stuff coming in of late so it’s a pleasure to check out something a little lighter, something which is more hooky and fun than the all out metal. With Boy Versus Romeo you’re in for a damned good time, checking out the sorts of tracks which are sure to hook you in and simply enthuse you, make you want to get out to a show, and keep you listening until the band are done with you. Sure, there’s only 4 tracks here, but when they’re of a good quality like you’ve got here, 4 is all you need.
To find out more about Boy Versus Romeo, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Boy Versus Romeo
We were recently contacted by Killian from Boys Versus Romeo to see if we could check out his band to see what we thought. Describing themselves as Pop-Punk, but openly saying that doesn’t describe them very well I figured this could be interesting so figured I’d give it a go! Their EP is available to hear/download on their Facebook page so I got on and had a listen!
Opening with This Is The Crime Scene you’re greeted by riffing distorted guitars, a pounding drum and a solid bass line, all melding together to form an intro of a track which I can sort of agree is pop-punk, but there seems to be more to it than simply saying that. The backing music is catchy enough to be classed under that sort of heading, and the vocals all match up to it but there’s something else here in this track which moves it away from the pop structure whilst still keeping an element of mainstream appeal going, it’s quite interesting to behold if I’m honest. The keys in the background certainly add a pop side to things, but over all this is a track which perfectly suits kicking back and hanging out with friends, and I quite like it if I’m honest! Catchy from start to finish, I quite enjoyed this track, there’s a real depth behind the music which pushes the guitar, bass and drum combo forward and makes it more prominent, again though, I still don’t really know where I should place this genre wise!
Living For The Weekend Killing For The Summer soon kicks in at number 2, a track which leans more towards the punk side of music. Fast paced drums and soaring guitar lines underpin fast vocals and a pumping bass line, the effect is to create a track which makes you want to move. Almost slowing down a notch for the chorus, this track soon resumes the catchy approach which was so prevalent in the first track – when you’ve got a winning recipe why not stick with it! Alternating between this fast paced approach and the more laid back chorus, this track forms contrasts within itself which it then raises even further with the inclusion of gang vocals from time to time – in all this is once again a catchy punky tune which I’m sure loads of people will really love on the live scene! Debbie comes in at number 3, a track which I think seems to perpetuate the pop-punk tag on these guys, it’s got that catchy poppy riff tinged with punk which made bands like New Found Glory and Blink 182 so successful. Almost building up throughout the track until kicking into another catchy chorus, this track is surely going to be the single of sorts from this EP, it’s without a doubt one of the catchiest tracks I’ve come across in a while and wouldn’t be out of place on a festival stage.
The final track is Audrey Hepburn, opening with catchy guitar lines and simple beats which make you want to shift along with the band. The one thing on this track is the vocals, the mix on this track doesn’t seem quite as refined as it was on the other tracks which in some ways gives this a more raw edge than the others, but at other times almost makes it sound unfinished. Don’t get me wrong, this is another well written and performed track, the mix is just lower over all meaning you’ve really got to listen to it to work it out, it’s almost like this is an earlier track – which again is good as it shows progression from the band from start to finish. Does it finish the EP as well as it began though, I’m not sure. The track is a great track, but the recording seems to let it down a little for me. (Note - this track is not from the bands EP, it is an extra track and a rough recording hence the quality...)
In all, I really like Boy Versus Romeo, they’ve got an accessible edge to their music which can often be lost when a band tries to be something they’re not, something which these guys have avoided. The music is catchy and altogether good fun, something again which is refreshing to hear. I’d love to see these guys performing these tracks live though as I think they’re far more suited to a live scene than an album, it’s the sort of music which you want to experience with a group of friends and a couple of beers. I’d also like to hear more from these guys to see what else they can do now – so get on and record some more please guys! Can I work out a genre for them......erm........poppy-punky-rocky-goodness.....does that count?
To find out more about Boy Versus Romeo, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Opening with This Is The Crime Scene you’re greeted by riffing distorted guitars, a pounding drum and a solid bass line, all melding together to form an intro of a track which I can sort of agree is pop-punk, but there seems to be more to it than simply saying that. The backing music is catchy enough to be classed under that sort of heading, and the vocals all match up to it but there’s something else here in this track which moves it away from the pop structure whilst still keeping an element of mainstream appeal going, it’s quite interesting to behold if I’m honest. The keys in the background certainly add a pop side to things, but over all this is a track which perfectly suits kicking back and hanging out with friends, and I quite like it if I’m honest! Catchy from start to finish, I quite enjoyed this track, there’s a real depth behind the music which pushes the guitar, bass and drum combo forward and makes it more prominent, again though, I still don’t really know where I should place this genre wise!
Living For The Weekend Killing For The Summer soon kicks in at number 2, a track which leans more towards the punk side of music. Fast paced drums and soaring guitar lines underpin fast vocals and a pumping bass line, the effect is to create a track which makes you want to move. Almost slowing down a notch for the chorus, this track soon resumes the catchy approach which was so prevalent in the first track – when you’ve got a winning recipe why not stick with it! Alternating between this fast paced approach and the more laid back chorus, this track forms contrasts within itself which it then raises even further with the inclusion of gang vocals from time to time – in all this is once again a catchy punky tune which I’m sure loads of people will really love on the live scene! Debbie comes in at number 3, a track which I think seems to perpetuate the pop-punk tag on these guys, it’s got that catchy poppy riff tinged with punk which made bands like New Found Glory and Blink 182 so successful. Almost building up throughout the track until kicking into another catchy chorus, this track is surely going to be the single of sorts from this EP, it’s without a doubt one of the catchiest tracks I’ve come across in a while and wouldn’t be out of place on a festival stage.
The final track is Audrey Hepburn, opening with catchy guitar lines and simple beats which make you want to shift along with the band. The one thing on this track is the vocals, the mix on this track doesn’t seem quite as refined as it was on the other tracks which in some ways gives this a more raw edge than the others, but at other times almost makes it sound unfinished. Don’t get me wrong, this is another well written and performed track, the mix is just lower over all meaning you’ve really got to listen to it to work it out, it’s almost like this is an earlier track – which again is good as it shows progression from the band from start to finish. Does it finish the EP as well as it began though, I’m not sure. The track is a great track, but the recording seems to let it down a little for me. (Note - this track is not from the bands EP, it is an extra track and a rough recording hence the quality...)
In all, I really like Boy Versus Romeo, they’ve got an accessible edge to their music which can often be lost when a band tries to be something they’re not, something which these guys have avoided. The music is catchy and altogether good fun, something again which is refreshing to hear. I’d love to see these guys performing these tracks live though as I think they’re far more suited to a live scene than an album, it’s the sort of music which you want to experience with a group of friends and a couple of beers. I’d also like to hear more from these guys to see what else they can do now – so get on and record some more please guys! Can I work out a genre for them......erm........poppy-punky-rocky-goodness.....does that count?
To find out more about Boy Versus Romeo, check out their Facebook page HERE.