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Boys On Trial : ¡Guantanamo Boy!
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The tension between the styles and influences of these three musicians, ranging from original edgy punk and authentic metal to cutting-edge cabaret is the reason that BOT’s accessible music appeals to a wide audience. You hear tension because there is ten
Genre: Rock: Punk
Release Date: 2006
¡Guantanamo Boy!
Boys On Trial
Record Label: Boys On Trial
  • Download Album (MP3) - $7.99
  • Buy CD - $7.99
Preview Song Name Time Format Price Select
Coward or Hero 4:24 $0.99
Run (from the city) 4:21 $0.99
Big White Lie 4:49 $0.99
New Police 3:15 $0.99
Leavin' 5:24 $0.99
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Album Notes

Diversity within the music industry keeps it afloat; diversity within a band may grate against the grain of current trends, but it sure makes music more interesting. Johnny One-Note is nowhere in the vicinity when Boys On Trial take the stage. The tension between the styles and influences of these three musicians, ranging from original edgy punk and authentic metal to cutting-edge cabaret is the reason that BOT’s accessible music appeals to a wide audience. You hear tension because there is tension. For these reasons, BOT is the band least likely to be voted “retro.”

Michael, Colin and Adam have never focused on where their music might fit within the larger picture of A&R professionals and label trends. BOT’s debut release, ¡Guantanamo Boy!, is a true original.

BOT’s commitment to keeping control of their music and holding nothing back in concert is in the tradition of other brilliant DIY bands, like Fugazi, At The Drive-In, Mclusky and Ikara Colt. It is hard to comprehend such a dynamic and full sound coming out of a three-piece band, especially a band that plays every note live. Most unexpected is Michael’s signature vocals, alternating between beauty and fury, he brings to mind vocalists ranging from Bryan Ferry to Jello Biafra.

In just a year, BOT has written and recorded songs that have garnered the attention of radio programmers, critics and talent buyers.

BOT’s debut, ¡Guantanamo Boy!, is produced by Liam Davis (Frisbie). The band has continuously played out in clubs throughout the mid-West since their formation and their first single, “Run (From the City) is receiving radio play even before its release.

What others are saying about BOT:

"How exciting to hear a band with the energy of The New York Dolls or Sex Pistols with people who can actually play their instruments and a vocalist who can really sing!! They have that weird punk/sensitve energy that only people like Elvis Costello have managed to capture in the past."
T. Roth (Another Pretty Face, Zen For Primates, Bummer Tent Records)

"Favorite new band? For once, I don't have to think twice. Boys on Trial are it. They have everything that makes music matter: passion, compassion, deft playing, great sound, all delivered with attitude."
Barb Wire(WLUW Chicago)

"Is there a new genre called “intelligent taser punk”? How about “ball-busting rock with cherubic vocals”? With BOT, the few times when vocals (and music) go over the top serves only as a quick reminder that this band should not be taken for granted. Attention is mandatory and BOT has earned the right to push limits and show-off a touch. Not because of years spent on the road but because BOT has crafted some exceptional songs."
OZ Beat ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ozbeatmusic.com)

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REVIEWS

An up-and-coming Chicago band that plays music that's punky and post-punky, as t
author: Mike Bennett (www.fufkin.com)
An up-and-coming Chicago band that plays music that's punky and post-punky, as this trio seems to have listened to a lot of great music from the late-‘70s and early-‘80s. More importantly, they also have something to say. Now, I'm not saying they are fully articulate lyrically, but they are angry and intelligent, and the five tracks here are good vehicles for dancing about and stomping on their problems. The best of the five is the jagged "Big White Lie", a song made for these times, and many times in the past. This band is a well-oiled machine, with singer Michael Ross's guitar playing bursts of patterned chords, while the bass and drum combo of Adam Knapp and Colin Tahi interlocking perfectly. The verses are almost cod-reggae (a bit reminiscent of Fugazi), revving up in rocking intensity. The band takes on segregation in Chicago, a city whose transportation systems (el and highways) were specifically designed to separate blacks and whites. Ross has a piercing and powerful voice that is great for expressing frustration and disgust. I like how the song takes a few minutes to build to the shouting chorus. This same band is capable of melodic agility, illustrated on the fifth and final track, "Leavin'". While Tahi still drums with reserved urgency, Ross shows off a softer side to his voice. The most accessible song is "Run (From the City)" which starts off softly and builds up the energy pretty quickly, and sports the strongest chorus hook on the disc. This song seethes with the passion of bands like New Model Army and The Jam, though sounding not quite like either. This band has made a lot of strides since I first saw them live, and they are just beginning to fulfill their potential. The playing is already great, and the songs are good, and if they get better, this will be a special band. boysontrial.com
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