This year marked the anticipated return of indie alt-rock band Bôa who, to the delight of fans across the world, came back from a nearly 20-year hiatus with a UK tour and the release of their new album Whiplash. On 27th October, they performed at a sold-out venue not far from Brighton Pier.
Bôa formed in London in 1993, entering the underground music scene with roots as a funk band. Their sound delves into a unique blend of genres, combining funk rhythms and moody guitar riffs with powerfully-delivered vocals. The band is most known for their 1998 single Duvet, which was used as the opening theme for the cult anime Serial Experiments Lain.
Flash-forward 23 years later and Duvet became a smash hit on TikTok, paving the way for a young audience to discover Bôa’s catalogue during lockdown. After Duvet re-emerged as a hit, the growing interest in the band inspired them to reform, leading to the release of Whiplash.
I could tell how supportive the fan base were as soon as I walked into the venue. The Chalk was absolutely packed with young people talking in hushed excitement, and every inch of the venue was brimming with a happy kind of suspense.
Voices quieted as the show began, and vibrant red lights lit up the stage. The concert started with Deeply, a rock song from Bôa's first album that balances sensitive emotions with punchy guitar riffs. Jasmine Rodgers' vocals invited the crowd in as she sang “darling, I gotta talk to you”; her lyrics encouraging us to reflect on moments of nostalgia, love, and melancholy. The set included fan-favourite songs that roused the audience to sing along, coupled with two releases from Whiplash – the titular song and Strange Few.
The transition from familiar tracks of previous albums to their new songs was seamless, with each piece staying true to Bôa's unique sound. The new tracks have a certain edge while still keeping the musical elements that make Bôa great, which I'm sure will attract new fans. The emotions explored during the set had what I can only describe as a cathartic effect, stirring my deepest feelings and thoughts through lyrics that were very relatable.
Next year, Bôa looks poised for even more success with a tour across mainland Europe and the USA. Their performance in Brighton not only introduced new fans to this hidden gem of a band but also raised the bar for the shows to come. If the energy of this concert is any indication, Bôa is on a path to greater recognition, and I hope audiences worldwide pay attention to this wonderful band that never quite got the attention that they deserved.
Bôa are currently on their Whiplash world tour. For more info on dates, click here.
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