Emerging from Kansas City, Missouri in 1993, Boys Life carved out a niche in the indie rock scene with their passionate, dissonant guitar-driven sound rooted in DIY ethics and a distinctly Midwestern sensibility.  Comprised of Brandon Butler (vocals/guitar), Joe Winkle (guitar), John Rejba (bass), and John Anderson (drums), the band sought first to create music that resonated deeply with their own artistic vision and in doing so amassed a fiercely loyal and expansive fanbase. The bands self-titleddebut (1995) marked the beginning of relentless touring, sharing stages with contemporaries such as Knapsack, Giant's Chair, and Christie Front Drive and quickly became an integral part of the burgeoning Midwest emo scene.

Boys Life's sophomore effort, Departures and Landfalls (1996), showcased their evolving artistry and solidified their legacy within the genre. Despite disbanding in 1997, the members pursued various musical endeavors: Brandon Butler (vocals / guitar) with Canyon and Six Bells, and others contributing to projects like Lullaby for the Working Class and The Farewell Bend. Reunion tours in 2015 and 2024, spurred by reissues of their seminal works, rekindled their collaborative spirit and introduced their music to new audiences.

"Boys Life has always been a band of brothers and like many families, we have experienced ups and downs in our relationships throughout the years," says Anderson. "We have always been an intensely serious band and you can hear that intensity in our music. With all that emotion and commitment to authentic expression being the foundation of our energy, we have found it difficult at times to synchronize our creative chemistry with personal chemistry. It’s a delicate balance."

In June 2024, the band reconvened in a secluded house outside Kansas City, immersing themselves in an environment reminiscent of their early days. This intensive session birthed Ordinary Wars, a four-song EP that encapsulates their collective growth and introspection. "We got together for a few days and talked, wrote, rehearsed, ate, drank, hung out late, slept…everything together 24/7 like we always did," says Anderson.  "We had very little planned coming in but that’s how we do it. It’s a force that comes from somewhere beyond us and moves through us somehow and happens before you can even process what just happened. That’s when Boys Life is best and that’s where we were during this session. It’s an unexplainable organic entity of energy."  As songs came together, the term "outlaw emo" emerged as a descriptor.  The band, reluctant to embrace the designation of "emo" label, simply responded by stating, "we always just play the blues."

The production of Ordinary Wars, under the adept guidance of longtime friend Duane Trower (Seasons to Risk, Quitters Club) at Weights and Measures Soundlab, emphasizes raw, live takes, preserving the organic energy of their sessions.

"Honestly, we never once talked about what we would do, how we would do it, or how it would sound," says Anderson.  "There is always a possibility that no songs will happen or the chemistry isn’t on --  but that uncertainty is where the best creation lives. It’s about the immediacy of the moment and capturing whatever is floating around in the air between us when we are all in a room together."  Tracks like "Bleeds" and "Equal in Measure" emerged spontaneously during these studio jams, capturing the immediacy of their renewed synergy. Others, however, such as "Ordinary War" and "Always," evolved from rehearsals, reflecting a blend of spontaneity and focused refinement. "It’s shocking that we can get together for four days and create songs like these but also it’s not shocking for some reason," adds Anderson.  "The experience of working together in itself is deeply meaningful."

Lyrically, Ordinary Wars delves into themes of mortality, societal disillusionment, and the urgency of purposeful existence. Butler articulates a poignant perspective on the fleeting nature of life and the collective missteps of humanity, urging listeners to eschew meaningless pursuits. "I see our world, especially our country, as a failed experiment," says Butler (vocals, guitar), "Things could be so wonderful and easy, but we choose greed and ignorance over utopia.  We are wasting time."  Anderson echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the band's enduring commitment to authentic expression. "I think Boys Life is always exploring our existence and how we relate to each other and the natural world and what it means to allow ourselves to be pulled into or through an experience. I think we have always been aware of the fragility of the modern world and I think we have always been challenging and exploring our place in that plane."

Ordinary Wars stands as a testament to Boys Life's unwavering dedication to their craft, seamlessly intertwining their storied past with contemporary reflections. It's a compelling reminder of the band's influential role in shaping indie rock's emotional and sonic landscape.

Boys Life Ordinary Wars Test Pressing

Boys Life

Ordinary Wars Test Pressing