ALBUM REVIEW - DESTROY BOYS - FUNERAL SOUNDTRACK #4
It’s hard to imagine anyone in the world who doesn’t know the name Destroy Boys or even the band at this point. But if this is your first time stumbling upon them, we’ll give you a small introduction. Destroy Boys formed in Sacramento in 2015. In the beginning, Alexia Roditis and Violet Mayugba were the last two original members, but since 2018, they have had Narsai Malik on drums, and in 2021, David Orozco joined the band as their bassist. While much can be said about their former albums, we are here to talk about their newest addition and fourth album to their discography, which is called ‘Funeral Soundtrack #4.’
“Bad Guy” kicks off the album with minimal instruments and isolated vocals; it manages to create a spooky and chaotic atmosphere upon the first, second, and third listen. We lean into a much more upbeat, poppier song with “Plucked,” and it really is a highlight on the album. It is so light and breezy but has so much to offer with the natural flow to it. And “Amor Divino,” which is in Spanish, gives the album an incredibly fresh take; it’s dreamy and bouncy throughout the number.
In the second half of the album, Destroy Boys takes a different approach with another sweet highlight, “Shedding Skin.” While the song isn’t much, the simplicity of the guitars and Roditis's voice are stunning. Meanwhile, “You Hear Yes” features Mannequin Pussy and Scowl to create a new rebellious anthem, which is precisely what is needed. They work so well together on it, and they make room for each other to shine.
‘Funeral Soundtrack #4’ is arguably one of the most exciting albums that Destroy Boys has released, and Carlos de la Garza was the right producer for this album. Each member has a moment to shine, and standing on their own, they each sound incredible. Roditis's vocal skills have never been up for debate, but ‘Funeral Soundtrack #4’ is her finest work ever. It’s a beautiful, impactful album with a lot to say in 11 songs, but it packs a serious punch and proves that they are more than your average punk band.