Boy Kill Boy: 'Promises'

Boy Kill Boy's 15 minutes of fame were briefer than most. In 2006, the re-release of their debut single, 'Suzie', landed them in the top 20 - and they even flirted with NME-approved cool after the release of their debut LP, Civilian. But, alas, their back-to-basics indie-rock sound never truly captured the hearts of Britain. They were the Wetherspoons version of Maximo Park, The Cribs without the danger or bloody live shows, Supergrass without the smiles and relentless tunes. They did what they did with good intentions, but what they did was desperately lacking in spark or vigour.

'Promises' is the second single from their forthcoming Stars and the Sea album. The first, 'No Conversation', sank outside the top 40 without so much as a twitch of interest from Edith Bowman. Unfortunately, the follow-up is destined for a similar fate, with the band sounding tired, lackadaisical and uninterested. In fact, Chris Peck's slurred vocals barely register above the merry-but-predictable guitar-pop backing. If you were being generous, you might say this sounds like a Franz Ferdinand B-side. If you weren't, you'd say it sounds like Athlete. Either way, it's not looking great for the Leytonstone 4-piece.