Album Review: Boss Keloid – Float & Aperture
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
I’ve never been a massive fan of prog-rock in its mainstream form, but there’s something about Boss Keloid’s take on the genre, that I just can’t help but like. I’ve seen them a few times live, notably in the back of a pub in Bolton many years ago, and latterly supporting Green Lung in Manchester in 2023, so it’s about time I saw them once again.
“Float & Aperture” is the follow up to 2021’s fabulous “Family the Smiling Thrush” and the band have said that their “writing process was more collaborative, experimental and challenging than ever” so it all bodes well for this release. The album has seven songs, with the lyrics drawing on personal experiences, difficulties and life lessons, and we are introduced to them via first song “Breeze”.
It springs to life instantly, the percussion and drum work from Ste Arands pops through, as the guitars from Paul Swarbrick and Alex Hurst, play off each other extremely well, creating tension and atmosphere. Hurst displays true emotion in his vocals and tells a story each time he addresses the mic, but the rhythm floats effortlessly and is an audible treat. Hurst’s vocal talents are on full display across the entirety of “Pedestal” and when combined with the far-reaching musical arrangements, it’s another epic song.
What is evident is that the group have pushed themselves further than ever, and they explain that “we wanted more focus and enjoyment around the interplay and dynamics between melody and rhythm” and on lead single “Landslide” they have learnt to accept “that we are all our worst own enemy”. It’s a deep look inside the quartet, but the rhythms drop in and out like a dolphin playing with tourists in the ocean.
They display crushing, complex melodies, but have periods of serene calm that make the music all consuming and immersive. The basslines from Liam Pendlebury-Green have real depth and get stronger the more you listen to the album, with the wonderfully graceful and elegant “Weight” up next, that has pockets of combustible riffs that play with your mind a little bit. The expansive nature of their music is on full display for all to take in, and “Aros” continues their own journey of discovery.
They’ve left the two shortest songs until the end, beginning with a sumptuous bass intro on “Accord” as the melody drifts towards some sort of mythical land. It has the wonderful line which will resonate with so many, as Hurst emphasises the words “Don’t invest in people who are going to steal your time”. As across all the album, the stars of the show are the moving melodies and infectious rhythms and there’s no letting up on the final track “Sanguine”. It further demonstrates their innovative nature whilst simultaneously being impassioned and fiery as it draws to a close and your head can fully digest what you’ve just listened to.
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