I was fortunate enough to be able to get a few questions answered by “laser” Dave Costa bass player of Boys Night Out .

MVRemix: How have the kids at shows received the new material?

Dave: It’s gone over very well. Probably the best so far of any record. Which is awesome, considering we usually get a lot of shit when we have new records come out, and they usually sound very different from each other.

MVRemix: What was the writing process like for this album?

Dave: It was really easy, but pretty long. I think we took about 2-3 months off to write. So we really tried to refine the songs, and write properly structured songs this time. Get rid of the weird unnecessary stuff.

MVRemix: Tell me about the lineup changes between the last album and this one, and how things are feeling now?

Dave: Well, Kara and Brian both left, but for different reasons. Kara got married, and basically just wanted to be home. With Brian, I am actually not too sure. He said he wanted to do different things other than music, but now he’s playing with Receiving End of Sirens. So, yeah, not too sure. It feels awesome now though. Having Ben back in the band is amazing. Being on tour with him is incredibly fun. And now with Andy being in the band, songwriting is much easier.

MVRemix: Why the self titled album now?

Dave: Basically because we feel like we really found our sound. So yeah, that’s pretty much it.

MVRemix: Anyone in particular you are looking forward to touring with this year?

Dave: I am looking forward to touring with Olympia. A few of them were in Fairweather, and they were one of my favorite bands.

MVRemix: Any bands you guys have come across you feel like people should be looking out for?

Dave: Dear and the Headlights are my favorite new band right now. Absolutely amazing. Really good mellow indie type stuff. I highly recommend them. Other than them, I am still stuck in the mid 90’s.

MVRemix: You guys have had major label rumours following you since before Trainwreck… do you see yourselves moving from ferret to a major or staying with ferret for a few more records?

Dave: I highly doubt it, but I would never rule it out. Myself, I am really apprehensive about that kind of stuff. So many bands get fucked; I don’t want to end up like them. Our contract is up with Ferret now, so we’ll see what the future brings. I still love Ferret so I would have no problem going back with them.

MVRemix: You tour practically non stop anything you miss from home?

Dave: Pretty much just my dog and friends. The dog is definitely the toughest one. So other than those, nothing really. Maybe good nights of sleep too.

MVRemix: So what is next now that the album is out?

Dave: Just touring non-stop. I would love to do another record faster this time around. Hopefully that’ll happen.

MVRemix: Which track do you recommend people check out to get a feel for the record or boys night out in general?

Dave: I’d say “swift and unforgiving”. Its got a good mix of every style we’ve done. Still technical, but catchy.

Boys Night Out

The album opens with the infectiously catchy “Get Your Head Straight” and sets the pace for the rest of the disc. Honest lyrics immediately bring you in and make you feel like part of the family. Clever and conversational the song is an anthem, a quick introduction to the sound of Boys Night Out for those unfamiliar. The next two tracks let the band flex their muscles a little more. “Swift and Unforgiving” a track more on the technical side of things with swerving tempo changes held perfectly together by melodies and vocal patterns. “The Push and Pull” seemingly straight-ahead but with the
subtleties of the guitar work it becomes a song with real depth.

“Up With Me” is the best example of the songwriting abilities within the band. Musically intriguing with vocals full of hooks and emotion. One of the stand out songs on the album full of little different parts to enjoy not to mention the fact that I cannot get this song out of my head! Next up “The Heirs of Errors” the roots of Boys Night Out start to show. Fast and direct, palm muting, octave work and riffing all pull together to make this song a wake up in case you weren’t paying attention. With the addition of the heavier vocals and group sing along parts this track is one I have to see the band play live. “Let Me Be Your Swear Word” and “Hey Thanks” again both let the band experiment a little. With more elaborate guitar work and arrangements these songs really stress the inability to categorize Boys Night Out into a particular genre and sets them apart from the bands they occasionally get lumped in with.

For the fans of Trainwreck the bands previous release “Fall For the Drinker” all of the elements that worked so well on that album return here refreshed and capture a staple of the Boys Night Out sound. It also seems that the more familiar song on the album is followed by the real departure of the record, “Apartment 4” is in the ballpark of the BNO sound but has a wonderful collection of pop and even post-hardcore touches thrown in. This song almost feels like its looking forward to the next album, with a chorus
that is goose bump worthy for those who really appreciate the complications of writing a good hook.

“Reason Ain’t Our Long Suit” is a semi-closer a power track to finish of the record really pulling together parts of older and newer Boys Night Out. The line “now were better than ever” pretty much sums up the idea here and my feelings about the band after hearing this record. The album finishes with a perfect closing track, the lyrics tell a story and usher you to the end of
the disc. This is a great encore track midtempo and building to a grand sing along finish, closing the CD in fantastic boys night out style.

8/10 – JKE Dean