The Ordinary Boys

Let’s start this off by saying that this is not a new band but one could be mistaken for thinking it is as this is the bands 4th album and at time of release in 2015 was their first studio album in 10 years.This album is most similiar to their debut entitled ‘Over The Counter Culture’ and sees the band ditch the synths and indie-pop focused style they adapted during the indie revival back in 2004-2007 and Preston’s big brother days.The album sees the band draw some real punk style inspiration in their instrumentation and kicks off with ‘About Tonight’ which sets a great tone for the album with punchy guitar riffs, great drum rolls and a solid alt-rock sound... no sign of the boys usual ska/Brit pop sound here.The next songs we get are ‘Awkward’ and ‘Four Letter Word’ which are the albums singles, the latter being the lead single which is a driving guitar led anthem with soft Preston vocals until the punchy chorus kicks in and see’s Preston reflect on a certain four letter, this isn’t your regular love song before you guess.... ‘’love is a four letter word, swear that you mean it’’.‘I’m Leaving You (And I’m Taking You With Me)’ and ‘Losing My Cool’ are for me, two of the albums high lights and just sums up everything that is good about the boys, so catchy!. ’Panic Attack’ is a firm nod to the ramones and the incredible ‘Do Or Die’ see the albums mid point flying high and show case the great song writing on this album. ‘Putting My Heart On The Line’ could be mistaken for a Blink 182 song and has some great guitar riffs through out it. The album is so refreshing but relentless at the same time and you can hear how relaxed, confident and content they are now. The albums closer ‘Disposable Anthem’ closes on a softer note than the rest of the album, with reverb guitars closing the album nicely.This album begs to be played loud, it’s an album of great production, style, substance and great song writing. Its a steal at under £12 on vinyl, you also get the CD included in the sleeve so purchase this today. You won’t regret itA solid comeback, return to form and new lease of life all rolled into one, well done chaps.

Loved the ordinary boys first time around , the second album brassbound is still one of my all time favourite records. Started to lose interest a little after the third album & prestons new celebrity status thanks to big brother , so when I heard they were making a new album I hoped it would be better than their last. I needn't of worried it's a cracking album full of punky guitar licks & bass lines with some great lyrics. Although not as good as brassbound ( that's always gonna be hard to beat ) it's still a great little album with catchy songs and is perfect length in 11 tracks. Definetly reccommend this album, play loud!!! The ordinary boys are back!!

Went to see them live November last year and bought the Vinyl off amazon after buying a nice little cassette of the vinyl at the gig. Great album still playing it after 7 months! really hope to hear more from them and especially in this music direction as I really went off them after the third album. But all bands have a below par album in their history. Let the ordinary army march on!

Last hurrah from a great British band good album

Great album

excellent!

'Looking back, I never saw it coming, I bought this on myself...'And now it's time to make amends, I'm gonna do it for my friends''Wasted days turned wasted years but they never wasted me''The 'better days' weren't the best of me'The opening track 'About Tonight' serves as a statement of intent and a sweeping under the carpet of the last ten years... treat this album as an alternate time-line follow up to Over The Counter Culture. Punky riffs and punchy lyrics have become singalong punk-pop anthems. This is a band who have found their feet again, making the music they should be making. 'Awkward' tears along with pounding drums and a harmonious vocal from Preston and Louis Jones, who has proved to be a fantastic addition to the line-up. The clever lyrics of OTCC litter the album, not least on 'Four Letter Word'- 'Love is a four letter word, it only loses meaning the more it's heard'. And the almost Buzzcocks-ish 'I'm Leaving You (And I'm Taking You With Me). In Preston and Louis the band now have a couple of formidable song writers who work together to great effect. If you were a fan before but drifted away, it's a brilliant return to form. If you're coming to them fresh or have any pre-conceptions of what this album sounds like, give it a fair listen and you'll find very little to fault.

Well this was a surprise - this sounds like a completely different band. So much so you'll think 'is that even Preston singing?!' Gone are the teletubbiesesque 'eh-oh' vocals of the previous albums, and all the ska, moody, brash, supremely confident vocals and swagger too. But fear not, it's a good album (Panic Attack is a bit weak), and def worth a purchase, especially to hear how 10 years can change a band. I think it really misses the sound of the old style of production, Steven street I think took the honours before, which makes me think what a difference a load of record label money really does make.It's different. I like all their other albums, and for me this is my least favourite of the 4, but still worth checking out.Also, the vinyl comes with a cd copy too in the sleeve, just in a plastic wallet, nice touch

Came quickly, totally satisfied!

After ten years their new CD rocks!