Antwerp’s all-female queer band, B O I, delivers a fierce and captivating track with their latest single, “John”. Following the success of their debut, “All These Boys”, the band takes a darker turn with “John” by personifying addiction in a way that feels immediate and gripping.
The song is unique in how it uses both sound and storytelling to draw one into a toxic relationship with the character “John” who is a symbolic representation of addiction’s temptations and chaos. The grungy guitar riffs act as John’s voice, pulling you into the seductive yet destructive world of the song, while the haunting vocals of Indra Aubroeck layer on a sense of vulnerability and desperation. The hypnotic synths and deep bass lines give the song an atmospheric weight that adds to the inescapable pull of the narrative.
B O I’s attention to detail in “John” is showcased through drums that steadily build throughout the track and intensify the suffocating tension as the song reaches its explosive climax. It’s a sonic representation of the escalating battle against addiction. With the combination of raw instrumentals and emotionally charged vocals one can feel the struggle as much as they hear it.
With “John”, B O I continues to push the boundaries of their sound, evolving into a band that’s not afraid to tackle heavy themes with both grit and finesse.
Artwork by Caroline De Meye