Boston Manor has just released not one but two new singles. The double-feature are both taken from their forthcoming album, Glue out May 1st via Pure Noise Records.
Boston Manor is making quite the impression by giving us not just one single release, but two. First up is Ratking, which refers to a phenomenon that occurs when several rats’ tails become intertwined, and they get stuck; this causes them to struggle harder, which only makes the knot tighter. Eventually, they’re both unable to move, and they die. The band expresses this sentiment towards humankind and our inability to work together.
As singer Henry Cox explains: “‘Ratking’ is about our inability to empathize with each other and work together as a collective. Even those who consider themselves tolerant should look at their inbuilt biases. I think our inability to show compassion to people who think differently to us is what is holding us back.”
Additionally, the track itself is reminiscent of the ’90s alternative—thrashing guitars, loud drum beats, with a powerful message attached. Watch below.
Secondly, is On A High Ledge which explores the taboo subject of mental health amongst men. As advocates of mental health, this isn’t just a “woman’s issue.” Mental health also affects men too.
Thus Cox also had this to say towards the prevalence of male suicide in today’s society and how the song’s written in dedication to a man who’s suicide he witnessed as a child.
Moreover, Cox reveals, “When I was seven years old I saw a man commit suicide by jumping off the bus station in Blackpool a few feet in front of me. Growing up, I always rejected the idea of what a ‘boy’ should do; I never liked football, I thought fighting was stupid, and at age six, I spray painted my bike pink. I’ve always hated the term ‘man up.’ I think it is such a damaging thing to say to little boys. A big problem that we have to tackle is men’s inability to seek help; it’s this ‘man up culture’ that’ s baked into young men from a young age that makes them think – it’s wrong to cry, it’s wrong to share your feelings and being vulnerable is weak.
The biggest killer of young men today is suicide. Obviously, mental health support in the UK and most of the world is not what it should be, and mental health issues affect everyone, not just men.” Watch below.
04/30: Southampton, UK – Engine Rooms
05/02: Bristol, UK – SWX
05/03: Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms
05/04: Glasgow, UK – The Garage
05/05: Manchester, UK – Academy 2
05/07: London, UK – Electric Brixton
05/08: Birmingham, UK – Institute 2
05/09: Leeds, UK – Stylus
06/05 – 07: Rock am Ring / Rock im Park, Germany
06/11: Nova Rock, Austria
06/12: Greenfield Festival, Switzerland
06/20: Graspop, Belgium
06/26: Full Force Festival, Germany
06/27: Vainstream Festival, Germany
07/04: High Five Summer Festival, Sweden
07/10: 2000 Trees Festival, UK
