Hailing from Austin, Texas, Boyfrndz are an alternative/prog/math/experimental rock band who have just released their sophomore CD, titled Breeder. Falling somewhere in between acts like The Mars Vonta, At the Drive-In, Glassjaw, Don Caballero, and perhaps a little Coheed & Cambria, Boyfrndz mix melodic, reverb drenched vocal harmonies with intricate, dissonant, yet colorful guitar textures, and adventurous rhythms for a very intriguing listen. None of these song rock too hard, "Shape Shifter" actually hones in on some serious '70s prog & psych tones quite well, and dreamy numbers like "All At Once", "Dark Braining", and "Make Believe" have a deft touch, a liquid-like quality, that is quite endearing. "Burn Through It" might be the heaviest track on the album, a complex, groove laden number that combines the proggy aspects of The Mars Volta with Dillinger Escape Plan styled aggression, while "Drive", soothes, ebbs & flows much like recent Anathema.
Definitely an album that's more about textures and colors as opposed to wowing the listener with instrumental virtuosity, there are still plenty of adventurous musical passages to be found here. Toss in some catchy melodies and you have a fun album from a band that should have a bright future ahead of them.
Track Listing
1. Intro
2. Each Others
3. All At Once
4. Shape Shifter
5. Dark Braining
6. Design
7. Make Believe
8. Burn Through It
9. Big Faces