"Glue" is the third studio album by English rockers from Blackpool "Boston Manor". I only found this band last month as I was listening to new releases playlist on Spotify and came across "Plasticine Dream". I then found out this track was on a 5 track EP which was released in early April 2020. I then found out that "Glue" was due to be out the very next month. I did wonder if it was going to be all different tracks on the album to the EP. But as it happens all the tracks on the EP are on the album and very much form the backbone of the album. But is the EP a good indicator of what the album is like? In two words "HELL NO". And this has turned out to be a very, very good thing.
Boston Manor's first album "Be Nothing" was very much a punk record. I haven't had a full chance to really go in depth with this album yet. Second album "Welcome to the neighbourhood" however I have investigated further and is a great record. All the songs have the same kind of tone and its a very powerful rock record. With "Glue" though it really feels like they have taken another step up and evolved even more. It is undoubtedly their most ambitious album to date and probably the most diverse album I have listened to since Bring me the Horizon brought out "Amo" last year. Boston Manor have said this was a difficult album to make and to me I am not surprised. They really have challenged themselves and that in turn is very refreshing.
The album kicks off with "Everything is ordinary" and it starts off like you are getting strapped into a rollercoaster with a gentle intro. Then bang! Its zero to 60 in seconds. It just takes off and to me the rollercoaster is a perfect analogy for the album. It has so much energy an passion running through it. I think one thing which stands out is the variation of vocals on this album. Henry Cox shows off in a way the previous 2 albums don't, just how good a singer he really is and how he has such a great vocal range. I would say his finest point is in "Stuck in the mud" where his vocals really do soar in a fine power ballad type track. Then in complete contrast you've got the youthful aggression on tracks like "1's & 0's" and "You, Me & the class war". These types of vocal performances are so far removed from the first 2 albums and again shows how they are trying to do things differently and progress as a band. But take nothing away from the first 2 albums as they are solid records.
I would say there are 3 tracks on the album that are more mainstream rock. In the form of "Plasticine Dream", "Brand New Kids" and "Rat King". These are anthems in every possible way. But even then they are making these tracks "Boston Manor tracks" rather than imitations. Yes its clear the band have musical influences and in interviews they have even mentioned bands they are influenced by such as Nine inch nails and Radiohead. But what band doesn't have influences. There is nothing wrong with it. Even a straight up track like "Plasticine Dream" they are trying to do things differently as Cox puts more vocal emphasis on the versus than the choruses. And it works brilliantly. "Only1" which at the time of writing is my favourite track on the album. Does this trick to an even greater extreme.
Overall this is an absolutely fantastic album. Each track is like delving into a different world. They have pushed themselves further than ever before. On paper it seems like a very risky project and could have quite easily become a mishmash of songs. But these 13 tracks work well together and like a roller coaster there are so many twists and turns, ups and downs on the album. And by the end you are thinking. What a ride...…..Now can we go again. Hell yes.
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