Review – Destroy Boys @ Electric Ballroom

Stepping into the Electric Ballroom in Camden, it is clear that the punk scene is certainly not dead. The venues buzzes with anticipation, and the sense that we stand on decades of punk history radiates from the bustle. The evening promises a raucous gig from one of the most highly anticipated punk acts from across the pond, Destroy Boys, who’s sound calls back to the feminine rage of the riot grrrls with a modern twist.

Punk, especially punk led my women and non-binary people, relies on the ability to write music which speaks for the underdog and represents the feelings of the marginalised or left behind. Destroy Boys’ newest album Funeral Soundtrack No. 4 is the most vulnerable yet, but also the most professionally produced, expanding their sound into more complex musical landscapes and moving away from the basic and classic punk rock of their older releases. The relatability of the band members’ personal struggles, which often inspires the lyrical content, could be seen clearly in London. The crowd sang along to the heartfelt lyrics, as enthusiastic about the newer releases as they were the older material, strongly identifying with a sense of community and shared struggle.

Perhaps the most popular song in the set was the newer release of ‘You Hear Yes’ from the band’s latest album. This feminist anthem was recorded as a collaboration with two other popular and relevant punk bands Mannequin Pussy and Scowl, both of which are made up of strong female and non-binary members. However, Destroy Boys pull this off excellently alone. The high energy riffs and impactful lyrics proved to be a major hit live, and from the women in the room, a sense that we were heard and understood. Lyrics such as “All I ask for is respect, I don’t get it from the state and I don’t get it from men” reflect a growing attitude of defiance against the increasing misogyny women have been experiencing in recent years – especially in online forums. The song could not have been released at a more acute and pertinent time, which was evident by the enthusiastic crowd reaction.

A standout element of Destroy Boy’s musical sound, which could be heard clearly in a live setting is the contrast in the vocal styles of Alexia Roditis and Violet Mayugba. Mayugba’s forceful and clear punk tones contrast with Roditis’s more lyrical and delicate melodies, which allows for a satisfying contrast and the potential for a multitude of layered emotions portrayed within a single song. The juxtaposition of these differing vocal tones is extremely effective in reflecting the conflict of someone struggling with their own identity, and balances the softness of internal emotion with the hardness of social rebellion.

Alongside this new hit, the songs which gave Destroy Boys their break continue to be crowd pleasers. The band blasted through essentials such as the fast-paced and defiant ‘Muzzle’, and ‘Fences’ a passionate, sing-along song which defined the band’s breakthrough sound. Alongside closing with the short and powerful ‘I Threw Glass at My Friend’s Eyes and Now I’m on Probation’. These hits also sandwiched partial covers of recognisable pop-punk classics by Weezer, Green Day, and Blink-182.

Activism is certainly at the core of punk’s roots, as the genre is one which cannot be separated from its sociopolitical background. Therefore, the crowd was receptive to the messages of activism which were presented both before, by local charities, and during the gig by Alexia Roditis, who advocated for multiple sociopolitical issues and movements before launching into the band’s encore of upbeat, carefree covers. Destroy Boys managed to balance the punk responsibility of activism and protest with the fun-loving and unserious atmosphere the music itself creates. The gig was witty, funny, tongue-in-cheek, while also forcefully bringing to attention serious and topical messages. Leaving the venue, the crowd seemed exhilarated, and hopeful that punk music can once again usher in a kinder time through purely musical aggression.