Boys Life (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 in Kansas City, Missouri, United States |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Fate | Disbanded; reunited briefly in 2015 and 2024 |
| Headquarters | Kansas City , United States |
| Products | Indie rock music albums and singles |
Boys Life was an indie rock group originating from Kansas City, Missouri in 1993.
During their initial period of activity, the band produced two albums and played a crucial role in shaping the emo music scene.
Following the band's dissolution, members went on to create projects such as Canyon and Lullaby for the Working Class. Brandon Butler pursued a solo career and later established Six Bells in 2014, which released its debut in 2015. That same year, Boys Life briefly reunited to tour in support of a vinyl re-release of their sophomore album.
In 2024, Numero Group announced a comprehensive reissue of the band's catalog. The collection titled Home Is A Highway, encompassing both albums, singles, and demos, was issued that year. To commemorate this release, the band regrouped for performances in the Kansas City area.
Influence
Although their active years were limited, Boys Life left a lasting impact on the emo genre, influencing bands such as Taking Back Sunday. Their musical inspiration included acts like Jawbreaker, particularly the track "Tour Song".
Members
- Brandon Butler (vocals and guitar)
- Joe Winkle (guitar)
- John Rejba (bass guitar)
- John Anderson (drums)
Albums
- Boys Life (1995, Crank! Records)
- Departures and Landfalls (1996, Headhunter Records/Cargo Records; reissued in 2015 by Topshelf Records)
Live albums
- Live in Washington DC (2020)
EPs and singles
- Boys Life demo tape (1993)
- Split release with Giants Chair (1993, Hit It! Recordings)
- "Lister/Without Doubt" single (1994, Synergy Records)
- Split 7-inch with Secular Theme (1994, Flapjack Records)
- "Breaker Breaker + 1" (Synergy Records)
- Split with Vitreous Humor (1994, Crank! Records)
- Split with Christie Front Drive (1996, Crank! Records)
- "Sight Unseen" (2023, Numero Group)
- "Breaker Breaker" (2023, Numero Group)
- "Temporary" (2023, Numero Group)
- "Worn Thin" (2023, Numero Group)
- "Strike 3" (2024, Numero Group)
- "Cloudy+47" (2024, Numero Group)
Compilations
- Home Is A Highway (2024, Numero Group)
Compilation appearances
- "Signing Off" featured on Kansas City Misery compilation (1995, Red Decibel)
- "Sight Unseen (live)" included on (don't forget to) breathe compilation (1997, Crank! Records)
- "A Quarter's Worth" from Fuck That Weak Shit compilation (1997, Crank! Records)
- "Temporary" on Stay Tuned For The Holidays compilation (2000, Crank! Records)
External links
- AllMusic profile