The New York City-based A.M. Boys combine the clean minimalism of the post-punk era with a contemporary approach to rhythm and arrangement. The duo, comprised of multi-instrumentalist/producer Chris Moore (Light Vortex/While) and electronic musician/vocalist and lyricist John Blonde (House of Blondes), create and perform using synths, drum machines, space echo, and voice.
A.M. Boys were originally introduced to each other by Louis Sherman (Locust) at an Aphex Twin listening party in New York in 2014. The duo struck up an instant chemistry that resulted in an original batch of songs as early as 2018, leading to their first live performance: an opening slot for Suicide legend Martin Rev. They sent Rev’s team one track, “Distance Decay,” and were offered the slot the next day. This song became the title track of their debut album, Distance Decay, released in 2022.
Following their 2022 debut, Distance Decay, the electronic duo is announcing their sophomore effort, Present Phase. A large difference between A.M. Boys’ first album, Distance Decay, and Present Phase is an acknowledgement by the duo of a natural tension that exists between their classic pop side and their more experimental tendencies. This is not to say that any tension existed between Blonde and Moore, but rather inside their collective creative mind.
The second single from Present Phase has been released, “Frictional.” This tune is more experimental than the album’s lead single “Ocean Ocean,” being fully instrumental and steeped in synths.
“’Frictional’ was made using old-school techniques of triggering synths with drum machines to create sequenced-sounding parts without using a computer.”
– Chris Moore, Band Member and Producer
The video was directed by band member John Blonde and features “The Athlete”, played by Ares Novem. Striking a juxtaposition of strength and vulnerability, The Athlete absorbs the energy of the song as the video progresses. He initially warms up for a boxing regimen and then ultimately abandons his routine, losing himself in the music.
The A.M. Boys are throwing an album release party on Friday, May 16th at Cassette in Ridgewood, NY. For more information, click here.
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