Boys Like Girls "Sunday at Foxwoods" Review
In the current wake of a nostalgia-ridden emo resurgence, it would have been quite simple for a band like Boys Like Girls to reunite with a record of throwback-inspired pop-punk music, play cuts like “Love Drunk” and “The Great Escape” on tours and festivals worldwide, and cash in on the legacy of their heyday. Instead, Sunday at Foxwoods is a fresh and inspired compilation of songs that presents a renewed sense of energy within the group, feeling more like a youthful up-and-comer’s debut than a seasoned veteran’s reintroduction. Sunday at Foxwoods evokes the exhilaration of a windows-down late-night drive, with many cuts feeling right at home on the soundtrack to an 80’s coming-of-age film.
The title track is an instrumental, electronic-infused introduction to the record that ascends straight into “The Outside,” an arena anthem about finding self-acceptance despite the anxiety and loneliness of seemingly not fitting in. This track is perhaps the most reminiscent of the band’s former works, with the youthful and universally relatable lyricism of their 2006 eponymous debut and the arena rock tendencies of their 2009 album Love Drunk present in the bombastic drums and stabbing guitars. Early singles “Language” and “Blood and Sugar” follow immediately, keeping the momentum of the album at a high while changing up the energy, offering synth and bass-driven elements that add a present-day flare to the band’s timeless songwriting. These musical stylings persist through cuts like “Physical,” with an epic intro reminiscent of Journey or Def Leppard, a chorus that builds into an infectious dance groove, all before capping itself off with a key change worthy of late pop greats Whitney Houston or Michael Jackson. It is evident upon even a first listen that these catchy and upbeat moments are well on their way to becoming singalong staples of the band’s live show, as their infectious hooks get caught in one’s head immediately.
While the album focuses heavily on its dance-infused grooves and singalong pop hooks, there are some tender and heartfelt moments as well. The piano ballad “Cry” and acoustic-driven album closer “Lost In Wonderland” showcase the dynamic songwriting that have elevated lead singer Martin Johnson to a fruitful career as a writer and producer for other massive artists as well as his own projects. It is clear that his formulas have been refined and are presented with expert care here. The storytelling nature of the lyrics, accompanied by charming and sincere vocal deliveries, are standouts here on Sunday at Foxwoods, feeling like both a natural evolution of the singer’s former solo outings and a leap forward into new and exciting territory for Boys Like Girls.
Sunday at Foxwoods is a high-energy album from a band clearly excited to be making music together once more. With over a ten year gap between this and their last release (the Nashville-influenced Crazy World came out in 2012), the band has seamlessly picked back up where they left off and propelled themselves forward. Long-time followers will welcome the evolution, new listeners will settle in seamlessly, and this record will be finding its home in a Boys Like Girls setlist alongside the band’s classic emo night anthems for years to come.
Rating: 8/10
