DESTROY BOYS Deliver Raw Energy and Punk Versatility on Funeral Soundtrack #4
Cali punk legends Destroy Boys have been shaking up the scene since their formation in 2015. Their reputation skyrocketed after earning a nomination at the 2017 Sacramento Area Music Awards, and they’ve continued proving why they deserve recognition. Their latest album, Funeral Soundtrack #4, is a testament to their raw energy, versatility, and unfiltered punk ethos.
Opening with a Bang: “Bad Guy” and “Plucked” Set the Tone
The album kicks off with “Bad Guy,” a restrained yet gripping track that starts with isolated vocals and minimal instrumentation. This intro sets up an explosion of powerful choruses, blending scrappy chaos with just enough structure to hold everything together.
“Plucked,” one of the album’s standout singles released in April, follows suit, delivering a sharp, sarcastic edge in the vocals that deepens the song’s impact. The band thrives in their no-nonsense punk approach, with Narsai (drums), Alexia (vocals/guitar), and Violet (guitar) playing to their strengths without overcomplicating things. This is Destroy Boys doing what they do best—raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically punk.
Emotional Depth: “Praying” and “Amor Divino” Bring a New Dimension
Track four, “Praying,” slows things down with Alexia’s haunting vocals over simple strings, creating an oppressive yet captivating atmosphere. The chorus erupts into something bigger, pushing the song to an emotional peak.
Then comes one of the album’s biggest surprises: “Amor Divino.” Sung entirely in Spanish, the track pays homage to Alexia Roditis’s Argentinian roots, offering a fresh, anthemic break from the usual punk fury. With a dreamier rock feel, the song showcases Destroy Boys’ willingness to experiment, proving their range goes beyond the standard punk formula.
Signature Punk and Unexpected Twists: “Shedding Skin” and “You Don’t Know”
“Shedding Skin” brings back the band’s signature punk grit, opening with crunching guitar riffs. Interestingly, the backing instruments take center stage, driving the melody while Alexia’s vocals weave in, flexing their impressive range.
Another unexpected turn comes with “You Don’t Know,” where Destroy Boys dip into an indie-inspired sound. Featuring an infectious earworm hook and acoustic-electric guitar interplay, the song offers a heartfelt and reflective break before launching back into their high-energy punk roots.
Anthems of Rebellion: “You Hear Yes” and “Boyfeel” Close on a High Note
The punk chaos returns full force with “You Hear Yes,” an aggressive anthem about battling oppression and embracing individuality—core themes of the punk movement. It’s a rallying cry that cements the band’s stance as one of today’s most unapologetically rebellious voices in punk rock.
Closing the album is “Boyfeel,” another pre-released single that swings with a laid-back yet emotionally charged vibe. With minimal instrumentation and a steady build-up, the track delivers a punchy yet introspective finale. For Roditis, who identifies as queer and non-binary, this song is deeply personal, reflecting on their experiences through a punk rock lens. The band tackles the subject matter with both raw honesty and respect, ending the album on an impactful note.
Final Verdict: A Punk Funeral You Won’t Forget
Funeral Soundtrack #4 is Destroy Boys at their most dynamic and unpredictable—fierce, playful, and emotionally charged. They seamlessly blend aggressive punk anthems with introspective moments, proving they’re more than just a scrappy punk band. If this is what a funeral sounds like, it might just be the most fun one ever (morbid, but true).
