UV Rays’ Energetic New Single, “Boys”

Fun is the word that comes to mind when listening to UV Rays’ new single, “Boys” off of their newly released EP, Try and Begin. The EP, released last Friday, contains four electrifying songs, each shifting directions to unexpected chords, meter changes, and sudden stop-and-gos. Of the songs, however, “Boys” stands out as a delightful stylistic surprise.

The song is unabashed, clashy, energetic, atom-bouncing-around-space fun. Drummer Erica Warner leads the song with her vibrant voice. Listeners will notice a stark difference in the way their music sounds now compared to their earlier releases. “Boys,” like their typical style, is fast and exhilarating, but also somehow a sparkly rock song with bright pink pop frosting.

“Boys” allows listeners to let go, bang their heads, and enjoy Warner’s silly and ironic lyrics. It has a nostalgic feel reminiscent of 2000’s punk rock anthems. Though it may not be encompassing of UV Rays’ overall sound, the song would fit perfectly on any playlist evoking a throwback to bubbling adolescent feelings.

A delightful single no doubt, it’s no accident UV Rays released “Boys” instead of the other three songs on Try and Begin. “Boys” is undoubtedly the poppiest song of the four— especially when looking at singing style and song format. The rest of the tunes have a more mathematical, industrial approach to their structure, while “Boys” stakes its claim in the realm of adrenaline induced enjoyment.

UV Rays is a special treat in the way they work together in spot-on collaboration among the four members. The Brooklyn group began as the bedroom solo project of guitarist Adrien DeFontaine and by 2017 became the dynamic quartet they are now. Because DeFontaine started the project, he initially took the reins of the band, channeling their music through his perspective. With their new release however, DeFontaine has taken a step back to allow each member’s own colors to influence the sound. Each plays their own instrument, and the band now has a rhythm that’s more fluid and freeing than many groups.

To support the release of “Boys” and Try and Begin, UV Rays will be touring in the U.S. on the East Coast. Listeners can also look forward to a second EP set to be released spring of this year.

Tracklist

1. Flowerhead

2. Existential Dread

3. Boys

4. Man Enough

Tour Dates

3.02 - Union Pool (Try and Begin EP Release Show) - Brooklyn, NY

3.15 - Elsewhere (Zone One) - Brooklyn, NY

4.14 - Kung Fu Necktie - Philadelphia, PA

4.17 - Knitting Factory - Brooklyn, NY