BOYS NO GOOD
by Nathaniel Lay
Photo by Dennis Ho
Hailing from Jacksonville, FL, BOYS NO GOOD is a punk/hardcore five piece composed of members from CASEY JONES, KIDS LIKE US, and other backgrounds. With their ability to mold catchy and memorable melodies, it’s not hard to see why they have been receiving brands such as “pop” at times. Since their formation in 2009, the band has already seen a good level of success leading up to their signing with Indianola Records. I recently had the chance to interview the band about it all, including their upcoming new album and exciting tour schedule.
It all started with the release of the band’s free demo during 2009. The small collection led BOYS NO GOOD into great tours where they accompanied the likes of EVERGREEN TERRACE, BANE, and TRAPPED UNDER ICE, to name a few. By winter of 2010, the band had caught the attention of Indianola Records and joined its ranks. Being the home of screamo, one may wonder how it is that BOYS NO GOOD fit the bill. “We are different from the other bands currently on the label, but that has not been a negative aspect. The other bands are killing it at their genres and styles, and I would like to hope that we are doing the same with our respective audience,” Tylor explained to me. In response to this, I’d have to say the band is doing just that. Their brand of punk rock is thoroughly entertaining and upbeat, “Bold City Tigers” being my personal favorite off their debut full length.
Recorded with Stan Martell during a fifteen-day straight period, Never Felt Better is composed of four of the demo tracks re-recorded, as well as eight brand new songs. When asked about the studio experience, James told me “Stan did a great job; he is a talented dude. I cannot believe he was able to put up with us for fifteen days in a row without killing us! I’m sure the idea went through his head at least once.” According to the guys, Stan pushed them to their best, which truly shows on the record. Never Felt Better is quite addictive and fun to play again and again. I should know, as I’ve had it on repeat the past couple days in preparation of writing this article.
To better describe the feel of this album, fans need to know look further than this statement James made just the other day: “We knew that we wanted to do something high energy and aggressive, but also have melody behind it. We wanted something catchy and fun but wasn’t too polished sounding and something that would be fun to play live. I think with this album we accomplished all that stuff.” The choruses on this album, especially those found during “Bold City Tigers” and “So Far Gone”, are catchy and melodic, while the vocals have that slightly gruff sound to them akin to such great punk masters as AGAINST ME! and GOOD RIDDANCE. But don’t mistake the choruses as the only focus points of these songs. BOYS NO GOOD do a great job in each aspect of their songs, from the great bridges (listen to “Jeremy Drinks Bleach”) to the steady punk beats, Never Felt Better succeeds.
While the band’s debut releases July 26th via Indianola Records, that’s not the only major plan the band has for this summer. Make sure to check their touring schedule for updates, as BOYS NO GOOD have been receiving a lot of venue attention lately. “I have been overwhelmed by the response we get at the shows we play. We have been shown favor and kindness by complete strangers at our shows; that is really humbling,” Tylor told me when talking about the band’s life on the road. “Now that the record is done being recorded, we are focusing on practicing and getting everything tight. The tours we are going on this summer are going to take us up and down the East Coast and some of the Midwest. I don’t think it’s impossible for us to head all the way to the West Coast before this year is over.”
Soon, you will be able to catch them on the road with RUST BELT LIGHTS, TAKE IT BACK, NO BRAGGING RIGHTS, IT PREVAILS, WE ARE DEFIANCE, ONWARD TO OLYMPAS, and more! Don’t forget to attend a date or two, as well as pick up their awesome Indianola debut, Never Felt Better.
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