Quite reflective of their music, Boston Manor just can’t stay still. The English rock band led by vocalist Henry Cox seemed like one of the more active bands during the pandemic, releasing new music — third studio album Glue in May 2020, and the Desperate Times Desperate Pleasures EP in October of last year — all while staying connected with fans through social media and Twitch livestreams. But being on the road and on stage is where the gang belongs, and after a handful of stateside dates last fall, Boston Manor are back on tour of North America, with the local stop arriving April 7 at Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre.
In advance of the show, we caught up with the band via email to discuss their impressions of America, staying active in a time of inactivity, and why they decided to strip down one of their most anthemic bangers in “Algorithm” before crossing over the Atlantic once again. Oh, and we also asked about a band called Boston Manor playing Boston — we kinda have to; we don’t make the rules.
Vanyaland: First off, between last fall’s run and now this tour, how good does it feel to get back on the road?
Boston Manor: It feels great; America is probably our favourite place to tour & we get to enjoy it in the springtime with is always so beautiful. After so much time away from touring I really try to savour & appreciate each experience. The last tour we did back in the fall was such an amazing run, we made so many memories & friends & played some of the best shows of our career, I really hope this one is the same!
A band called Boston Manor playing in Boston makes us feel like we have to ask this: Performing live in our city is better than anywhere else in North America, right? Right?!?!
Well I’m not trying to be a kiss ass but typically the Boston/Mass. shows are the biggest turn outs for us & the wildest shows yes haha. It does feel like a bit of a home away from home!
What are some of the highs and lows for an English band touring across America, from your experience?
A lot of highs, not a lot of lows it has to be said. Getting to see this vast & varied country has been such a gift over the last 5 years. The scenery, the culture, & definitely the food. I struggle to enjoy certain foods outside of the US because the bar has been set so high! Also we’ve toured here more than anywhere else, half of my friends are people I’ve met in the USA.That being said the downsides sometimes can be the sheer length of time it takes, it’s a long time to be away from your family, & if you do multiple tours a year it can start to stack up. Luckily we have very supportive partners & a great network of friends.
It seems like Boston Manor were one of the more active bands during the pandemic, releasing new music, showing up on Twitch, and really making an effort to stay connected with fans. How did you guys stay sane during that time, and was there a lesson you took away from the whole experience?
Thanks very much! I’m glad that’s how it came across. Like everyone we certainly had moments where we just didn’t feel inspired to get anything done. I feel very guilty if I’m not working, which is an unhealthy personality trait, but it means I find it very difficult to relax. I think that definitely kept the wheels spinning for me, & just a desire to keep being creative. I try and make something everyday, whatever it may be & sticking to that during the pandemic was a bit of a lifeline for me. The Twitch thing turned out to be great & I wish we’d started doing it sooner, it became a little community that we got to share, a group of friends that we’d hang out with every day. We haven’t had chance to do it since the world opened up again cause we’ve been so busy but I miss it!
This year we have an acoustic version of “Algorithm”; why did you decide to strip that track down?
I think it started out as a much less rocky track to begin with, it was a sort of washy Lana Del Rey-esque pop track, so we always had that version sitting in our back pocket. I spend so much time screaming my head off that it’s quite nice to just sing quietly from time to time! It was definitely the song that leant itself best to an acoustic version I think.
Next year marks a decade of music for Boston Manor; are there any special things planned — that you can talk about?
I can’t believe it’s nearly been ten years, although in someways it feels longer! We will have some anniversary celebrations for sure, hopefully something that all our fans can enjoy that isn’t specifically region locked. Nonetheless it’s a time for reflection & appreciation of this wonderful journey we’ve been afforded.
CROSSROADS PRESENTS: BOSTON MANOR + TRASH BOAT + HIGHER POWER + ANXIOUS :: Thursday, April 7 at Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square in Somerville, MA :: 7 p.m., all ages, $22 :: Venue event page :: Advance tickets