We had the chance to listen to their upcoming album Eating Me Alive and you’re in for a treat. Foamboy, Portland’s own gem in the post-disco scene, is back with their sophomore album, dropping on March 8th, showcasing an evolution that’s both audible and ambitious. Their live performances have morphed into a grander spectacle, now boasting seven to eight musicians, complete with horn sections that inject a palpable sense of festivity into their shows. This album, aptly named “Eating Me Alive,” mirrors that grandiosity, expanding the band’s sonic landscape to create an experience that’s not just bigger, but deeper and more intricate.
Katy, one of the band’s voices, expresses immense satisfaction with the new direction. She contrasts this latest work with their debut, noting the former’s production amidst the isolation of the pandemic, which relied heavily on digital correspondence. “Eating Me Alive,” however, is a creature born out of the live music scene, enriched by the diverse and talented instrumentalists that have joined their ranks. Katy hints at a darker tone this time around, not just in sound but in substance, tackling the lifecycle of a tumultuous relationship, the personal journey of self-identification, and the challenges of navigating societal expectations, all while threading through the personal trials of grad school and finding solace in surrender.
Wil provides further insight, reflecting on the album’s comprehensive nature compared to the concise, almost snackable quality of their debut, “Where My Sober Daydream.” He speaks to the album’s narrative cohesion, how each track not only flows into the next but how they collectively weave a rich tapestry of emotional highs and lows, twists and turns, all while maintaining the band’s inherent groove. Yet, there’s a shadow cast over this album, a deliberate choice that brings a depth and complexity, likening it to a “moodier older brother” of their first effort. The full band’s involvement has steered the music closer to a contemporary reinterpretation of late 70s disco, rather than confining it to the electronic dance genre, offering a nod to the past while firmly planting its feet in the present.
The anticipation for foamboy’s record release show at Mississippi Studios in Portland, OR, on March 16 is palpable. It promises not just a showcase of their latest work but a celebration of the band’s evolving identity, their embrace of a broader musical palette, and a deeper dive into the stories they wish to tell. “Eating Me Alive” is not just an album; it’s a statement, a journey, and a testament to the band’s growth and the collaborative spirit that has fueled their creativity. Check out “Not A Go” below: