Boy Jumps Ship
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Boy Jumps Ship

Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom | Established. Jan 01, 2010 | INDIE

Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2010
Band Rock Alternative

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Album Review: Boy Jumps Ship - Lovers & Fighters EP"

It’s always inspiring to hear about an indie band you know getting that all-important early record deal. In the case of Newcastle’s Boy Jumps Ship, earlier this year they signed to indie European label Rude Records, who also represents heavy hitters Cancer Bats, The Gaslight Anthem and former touring mates We Are the Ocean, all bands we’ve written about here on TGTF.

If you’ve been keeping up with TGTF’s coverage of the Geordie band, I caught them playing a blistering set at Mello Mello on the Friday of Liverpool Sound City 2014 last month and was totally overwhelmed by them. It was at that time (or rather after their set when I nabbed them for an unplanned but fab interview in the basement of the venue) I heard about their new EP (their third one but first with Rude) just released this week, ‘Lovers & Fighters’. Five songs, 17 minutes and all heart in a hard as nails wrapper. What more could you want?

Considering its release on the cheeky first Monday of June, the album begins, rather appropriately I feel, with ‘Made You Proud’. When rock bands release albums before the summer festival season, it makes sense that at least one of the songs included on a release has incredible festival riot-inciting power. With its way too fun to repeat and raucous lyrics of, “tell all, all your friends / we’re not, we’re not scared / we’ll sleep, we’ll sleep when / when we’re, when we’re dead”, it’s a tune that’s just plain smart, while the song is about survival and living an honourable life so that “I count my lucky stars for me that you’re around / so when I rest these bones, I’ll make you proud”.

Hmm. Where is all that awful debauchery and cursing that hard rock stars are supposed to be famous for, the criminal activity that usually sends me running? It’s…not…here! While you could argue that the title of EP midpoint ‘Start a Riot (Sick of Trying)’ might possibly be a bad influence, the song itself is about feeling lost and alone, frustrated to the point of wanting to riot. But somehow I don’t get that these guys would actually start a riot. And forget the riot theme for a moment: pay attention to its got kick arse chord changes and riffs all over the place that had my head bopping in multiple directions while I was working on this review. ROWR.

Standout track ‘Call to Arms’ begins with singer/guitarist Si Todd’s words, “It’s scaring me to death, I’ll still sing it when I’m dead / call to arms and you’re not answering”, indicating some initial apprehension. But this is quickly followed by drummer Gav Gates’ unrelenting drum beats to usher in the song and any such anxiety is gone as the rest of the band join in on the perfect start to a rock song: all the players coming together in unforgettable instrumental harmony. Words from the bridge “time keeps moving on, pretty soon we’ll all be gone / And we’re not answering to anyone” are unapologetic, cementing the underlying message of this EP: we’re going to do it our way, and are you with us? For further, see EP closer ‘We’re Not Giving Up’ if there was any question about this. And there should be none by the time these Geordies are through with you.

Full of heart and played by lads with plenty of fire in their bellies, this EP never really lets up in determination or volume, which is what you want in a tight set of songs from a young rock band on the cusp of greatness. Even if hard rock is not your favourite, I would bet anyone who can appreciate an extremely well-written song with unforgettable melody and guitar hooks, whether you’re a head-banger or not, will enjoy this EP. Boy Jumps Ship, you’ve done good. Now go forth and keep rocking the hell out. We’ll be waiting with bated breath for your debut album straight from the Toon.

8.5/10 - Mary Chang - There Goes The Fear


"Boy Jumps Ship - 'Lovers & Fighters' EP Review"

Newcastle’s Boy Jumps Ship, signed to indie European label Rude Records, who also represent heavy hitters Cancer Bats, The Gaslight Anthem and former touring mates We Are the Ocean.
The album opens with ‘Made You Proud’. With its typically pop-punk energy and way too fun lyrics, it’s a song that’s going to get everyone in the mood for summer. The gang vocal at the beginning of the track is reminiscent of Taking Back Sunday’s Louder Now album. ‘Still Alive’ and ‘Call To Arms’ keep the riffs going as well as building around the huge choruses is each, but the band still haven’t found their own unique sound, but instead sound like a mixture of You Me At Six and some generic pop-punk bands on the scene.
During ‘Start A Riot (Sick of Trying)‘, we start to see a more dynamic sound with a slightly edgy approach, yet the band’s melodies are still the main driving force. ‘We’re Not Giving Up‘ (Possibly the most cliché ending title), has a sense of defiance and closes the album on a high. Soaring guitar lines and pulsating drums lead to simple yet effective chorus.
For the standard, feel-good pop-punk fan, Lovers & Fighters has a lot to offer. It’s consistent and the band’s energy carries thought. It’s just a shame the band hasn’t found their identity yet. Boy Jumps Ship are good at what they do, but they’re in the same boat of hundreds of other bands trying to breakout, and they just need to find something unique in their sound. - Bring The Noise UK


"Boy Jumps Ship - 'Lovers & Fighters' EP"

Newcastle four piece Boy Jumps Ship released their third EP ‘Lovers & Fighters’ on June 2nd via Rude Records, who they signed with earlier this year. The momentum around Boy Jumps Ship is continuously growing, especially after their European tour alongside Arcane Roots and a UK run with Marmozets. This five track EP shows the bands growth across the past few years and is certainly getting us excited for their future.

Opening with the punchy “Make You Proud”, gang vocals kick off the track before leading into an upbeat verse which is packed with energetic percussion and solid riffs which are complimented by a bold and anthemic chorus. “Still Alive” follows, showing us the bands true alt-rock vibe. It encompasses a memorable chorus, an addictive melody, and the energy from the first track is maintained. With sparks of group vocals and a huge chorus, it’s clear the band have a knack for creating captivating tracks. There’s a great riff break down during the bridge that oozes power and determination too.

“Start A Riot (Sick Of Trying)” is hard-hitting and more power-driven with a strong melodic opening. It has a playful structure that uses repetition to its advantage. It is kind of edgier, but is still driven by rock-rooted melodies. Whereas “Call To Arms” is emotively raw, showing a vulnerable side to the band lyrically, but reinforcing their talent of creating honest tracks that are combined with chugging riffs and dynamic hooks.

The EP closes with “We’re Not Giving Up” which begins with a soaring melody. It follows on from the strength and determination featured in “Still Alive”, exuding fight, spirit and power. Despite having the simplest chorus, it is still effective and works well within this track. It ends the EP on a promising note, and it is a strong, rock-fuelled EP. We were actually at the release show for ‘Lovers & Fighters’ and had the privilege of seeing and hearing all of these tracks live, it’s safe to say they are also well-suited within an energetic live environment too.

Overall Rating: 8/10 - Mistree Magazine


Discography

-  Self titled EP "Boy Jumps Ship". March 28th, 2010. (Self Release)

- "Engines" EP. January 24th, 2011. (Self Release)

- "Be Good. Be Gracious" EP. May, 2012. (Self Release)

- "Lovers & Fighters' EP. June 2nd, 2014. (Rude Records)

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Bio

‘...maturity beyond their years, enigmatic sound-bites nestled between soaring refrains that wouldn’t disgrace Biffy Clyro.’
Kerrang! Magazine.

‘Gang Vocals, poptastic hooks and catchy choruses ...don't be surprised when these dudes have you singing along with them this summer'
Rock Sound

'Boy Jumps Ship's carefully crafted choruses will anchor themselves in your ears and plough you full steam ahead through an array of alt. rock riffs with - dare we say it - a touch of Biffy Clyro's earlier material.' Kerrang! Magazine.

‘Choruses so large you might have to get an extension built onto your house in order to accommodate them.’
Front Magazine

Boy Jumps Ship formed in late 2010 and hail from the North East of England, playing anthemic guitar led alt rock, laden with and honesty and integrity of a bygone time. This is a band of working class lads writing and playing music about real life; a band that inspires hopes and dreams and instantly connects with an audience.

In early 2011 Boy Jumps Ship released their exuberant “Engines” EP containing four tracks of well-crafted, anthemic, catchy, alternative rock which saw the four-piece being compared to the likes of Taking Back Sunday, The Gaslight Anthem and big Scottish hitters Biffy Clyro and Twin Atlantic. 'Engines' was released to great critical acclaim and received massively positive reviews across the board, more so from esteemed press such as Kerrang! and Rock Sound.

The band then entered the studio with producer Peter Miles (Futures, We Are The Ocean, King Blues, Sonic Boom Six, Canterbury) to record the "Be Good. Be Gracious" EP, which demonstrated how much the band had matured as songwriters. The EP gained excellent support from Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and Daniel P Carter, along with strong support from XFM, Kerrang!, regional and student radio.

A UK tour followed allowing the band to hone their electrifying live show which has seen the band support We Are The Ocean, The Xcerts, Futureheads and Maximo Park to name but a few.

2013 saw Kerrang! highlight the band in the best emerging bands around the regions alongside Mallory Knox, Marmozets, Blitz Kids and Lost Alone. Further touring followed including a main stage festival slot at Evolution.

In late 2013 the band returned to the studio again with Pete Miles to record their new EP “Lovers & Fighters” set for release on June 2nd 2014.

In March the band signed a global deal with Rude Records on which “Lovers & Fighters” will be released. This followed with European and UK support slots with Arcane Roots and Marmozets.

“Lovers & Fighters” gained a great response from critics and fans alike and the latest single “Call To Arms” was number 5 in the Scuzz Chart and has spent 3 weeks in the top 10 of the Kerrang! Chart. It also got great support from Radio1 from Jen & Ally’s BBC Introducing show and Dan Carter’s Rock Show.

The band are currently hitting the festival circuit this summer including 2000 Trees, Sonisphere, Guilfest, Split Festival and South Sea before recording their debut album and then further tours with We Are the Ocean in October & dates in Germany with Canterbury before finishing off the year by recording their debut album.


Band Members