Boy Kill Boy
Civilian
Universal Records [2006]
Does it hurt a band to show up late to the party? That’s the question facing Boy Kill Boy on their debut album Civilian, a record that lands smack in the middle of the post-punk revival wave popularized by The Killers and Franz Ferdinand. But despite arriving a bit after the buzz, the British quartet manages to deliver a polished and energetic effort that still sounds fresh.
Civilian blends danceable rhythms with punchy guitars and synth flourishes, all wrapped in a slick production from John Cornfield (Muse, Oasis, Supergrass). There’s a distinctly UK flavor here, especially in slower tracks like “Shoot Me Down,” which recalls the sweeping melancholy of Blur’s softer moments. While the formula isn’t groundbreaking, Boy Kill Boy proves they can write tight, catchy songs with wide appeal. They may not be trendsetters, but they’re certainly solid contenders.
KEY TRACKS
“Back Again” / “Civil Sin” / “Suzie”
ARTISTS WITH SIMILAR FIRE
The Killers / Franz Ferdinand / The Futureheads
A lifelong fan of new music—spent the '90s working in a record store and producing alternative video shows. In the 2000s, that passion shifted online with blogging, diving headfirst into the indie scene and always on the lookout for the next great release. Still here, still listening, and still sharing the best of what’s new.
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
