Album Review: Boys Like Girls – Sunday at Foxwoods

As Boys Like Girls return after a lengthy hiatus, they present to the world, SUNDAY AT FOXWOODS. This record would not only provide comfort for those who had been loyal fans for almost two decades, but would also welcome new fans with its masterful execution of modern day Alternative. 

As Boys Like Girls made their return with a handful of shows in 2022, fans began to take note.  Even with the band’s absence for over a decade, they were continuously being placed on lists of “best emo bands of the 2000’s,” proving they were never fully forgotten. Their decade plus hiatus allowed the members to seek other ventures, most notably frontman Martin Johnson’s memorable stint in the band The Night Game.

With SUNDAY AT FOXWOODS, Boys Like Girls have developed a distinctive sound that has matured along with their fans, delivering a timeless piece of work for listeners to savor. The first taste that fans received was in May 2023, with the release of the track “BLOOD AND SUGAR.” The synth-laden tune immediately stood out, not only as the lead single, but also among the other remaining songs on the album. “LANGUAGE”, “THE OUTSIDE”, “CRY”, and “NEW LOVE” soon followed. Each track was notably different from the last, but still cohesive enough to fit together on an album. 

Listeners could not deny the rollercoaster of emotions that these lead singles would instigate, most notably, “CRY”, a song that took Johnson approximately nine years to complete.

‘Cause I know that it’s hard

And I know that it hurts, but I 

Swear it’s getting better all the time 

‘Cause I can be your stars

And I can be your moon tonight 

And I can be your shoulder when you cry…

Personal favorites “PHYSICAL” and “BROOKLYN STATE OF MIND” emanate that classic Boys Like Girls sound, while still conveying maturation, enclosing listeners in a smooth, melodic trance.

In September 2023, Boy Like Girls began touring North America on the Speaking Our Language Tour, in support of the (then) upcoming SUNDAY AT FOXWOODS.

I was fortunate enough to attend not one, but three dates on the Speaking Our Language Tour – Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Diego. The lineup consisted of The Ready Set (LA and LV only), LØLØ, 3OH!3, State Champs, and Boys Like Girls, creating somewhat of a mini festival atmosphere. The pure joy within the room was palpable, and every single person that set foot on those stages entertained to the umpteenth degree. Boys Like Girls displayed showmanship to the highest quality possible, performing over twenty songs to packed venues of thousands per night.

Performing career-spanning songs, as well as a few covers and a Night Game track, Boys Like Girls captivated audiences in many ways, including the camaraderie displayed among them and the other acts on the lineup. The camaraderie was so abundantly present, in fact, that Boys Like Girls dropped another version of their track “THE OUTSIDE.” This version was dubbed “OUTSIDERS VERSION”, and it came complete with tour footage, and guest vocals from Jordan Witzigreuter (The Ready Set), Brian Logan Dales (The Summer Set), Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte (3OH!3), and Derek DiScanio (State Champs). 

Audiences that attended the Speaking Our Language Tour also received a teaser of the single “MIRACLE,” an upbeat, yet evocative track that conjures up inner turmoil and frankly, discusses needing a miracle every once in a while.

While some may still revel in the classic tracks such as “The Great Escape” and “Love Drunk,” I would highly advise those listeners to give SUNDAY AT FOXWOODS a chance. Boys Like Girls have evolved significantly since their last album, further solidifying them as talented songwriters and performers. The music of Boys Like Girls has provided everything for fans – solace, clarity, and joy; SUNDAY AT FOXWOODS will allow fans to appreciate the evolution of the band, making new memories along the way.

Tracklist – 

1. SUNDAY AT FOXWOODS 
2. THE OUTSIDE 
3. LANGUAGE
4. BLOOD AND SUGAR 
5. NEW LOVE 
6. MIRACLE 
7. CRY 
8. MONDAY MORNING
9. PHYSICAL 
10. HOURGLASS
11. STORY OF A LIFETIME 
12. BROOKLYN STATE OF MIND 
13. LOST IN WONDERLAND

Fans can order a copy of SUNDAY AT FOXWOODS here.