I will admit that at first I was a bit hesitant on discussing this band in my blog. I have always considered myself a closet fan of The Friday Night Boys. My reasoning for this is not entirely clear, but it may have something to do with the fact that their album “That’s What She Said” is much too “boy-band-pop” for my personal taste. And as good as the title of that album may be, I cannot be seen listening to “Chasing a Rock Star.” The vocals of these tracks are a little overdone, the guitars are boring, and the lyrics are not easily relatable to anyone over 14. Wow I just realized how harsh that sounded. But there is something about this four-piece pop/punk band from Fairfax Virginia that catches my attention and keeps it.

I listen to “Give It Up” at least once a day (no joke) and the experience is nothing short of enjoyable. Andrew’s melodies are heavenly, and I cannot get over the genius incorporation of elements from different genres. I caught a few electronic beats in there, along with ambient guitar riffs and pop-punk chord progressions. This does not surprise me in the least, though. I would expect this display of talent from a band signed to Fueled By Ramen only two years after their formation. FNB was also featured on TRL’s On Your Radar in 2008- a show featuring unsigned bands with increasing online popularity. After being disappointed with their previous album release, I have not lost faith in these guys. Most of that can be attributed to a song of their new album (“Off The Deep End”, June 2009), titled “Permanent Heartbreak” that is currently up on the band’s myspace page. Although the lyrics sound a bit Mayday Parade-ish (ehh, not complaining), and the song is overall a strange mix of Fenix Tx and The Click Five, I would give it a 10/10 for being a catchy, classic, and pleasing pop song. I don’t want to say “radio-worthy” because that is almost an insult nowadays… but I would expect this single to see several iTunes purchases. The chorus is memorable and has a good hook. Synonymous with the pop-ish drum beats, the digital sounds and vocal effects are done tastefully and with simplicity. What impresses me most is the guitar solo, though. You don’t hear too many of those nowadays. I think someone decided it would be cool to replace them with breakdowns and dance segments. I didn’t get that memo. 

The track titled “Stuttering” (also from the new album) is not as impressive. As much as I love the tone of the bass drum throughout the song, and the fact that Andrew’s melodies are catchy as hell, I cannot get on board with his whiny, whispery vocals. And stuttering in a song with the same title?… It has been done. As much as I would probably sing along if this song began to play in a public area or from my iTunes playlist, I will be honest when I say that if the entire album sounded like this, I would not buy it. I never judge a band for having experimental moments, though (Saves The Day- “In Reverie”, ftw!). I just wonder who is responsible for the slight alterations in their “sound” for this track… band or label? It’s always tough to tell.

All things considered, I am very excited to purchase and review this album when it is released on 6/9/09. I highly recommend you check them out if you haven’t already. Also-  watch out for The Friday Night Boys on the ‘Let’s Make A Mess’ Tour with Hey Monday, This Providence, Stereo Skyline, and The Bigger Lights. Check their myspace for tour dates and venues, and purchase tickets online at http://heymondaymusic.com.

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