A.M. Boys are acutely aware of technology’s primary drawback: It’s pretty much useless without a little imagination.
“Most of our equipment is 40 to 50 years old or newer recreations of ’70s and ’80s tech,” says Chris Morris, the production half of the New York City duo. “Without our own creativity and ideas, we’d just be rehashing sounds that existed decades ago.”
A seasoned mixer, producer and engineer, Moore has worked with TV On The Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Foals and many others. He first met vocalist/lyricist John Blonde at an Aphex Twin listening party back in 2014. Four years later, the two were opening for Suicide legend Martin Rev, and the song that landed them the gig became the title track of their 2022 debut, Distance Decay. Utilizing synths, drum machines, space echo and voice, A.M. Boys continue to forge a distinct brand of pulsating, minimalist, post-punk electronica on Present Phase, due May 16.
The album’s second single, “Frictional,” is a full-on instrumental. “It was definitely one of those songs where the unique sound and rhythm of the drums running through a circuit designed 40 years ago influenced everything,” says Blonde. “That energy carried through to Chris’ final mix. One of the best things about electronic music is constantly being hit with these dreamy, unplanned sounds. It’s like a drug.”
We’re proud to premiere A.M. Boys’ “Frictional” video.
—Hobart Rowland
