Boy Sets Fire

Few modern hardcore bands have fused a deep-rooted political consciousness with a passion for their musical art like Boy Sets Fire. One would be hard pressed to name a more sincerely socially aware band that comes to mind more quickly than this Delaware outfit.

Driven by the unrelenting burden of their unique sociopolitical perspective and an urgent need to communicate to a wide audience through the heavy/melodic hardcore medium, Boy Sets Fire have promoted discussion, debate, and dialogue like few other bands before them. Emotionally charged, heartfelt and honest, Boy Sets Fire mix aggression and thought provoking ideas into a positive blend of melody and abrasive music. There are plenty of bands out there that never tell us why theyre so pissed off. Boy Sets Fire let us know exactly what theyre angry about, point by point. We have a good mix of politics- social and global says drummer Matt Krupanski. We incorporate that through our music and lyrics. In our live shows, we put those things hand in hand. We play our songs but we also talk a lot during our sets. We try to establish a solid line of communication between the audience and band about our beliefs.

The band quickly became popular around the country after the release of a self-financed single and a raw but ground breaking split LP w/Jazz Mans Needle. These two releases set the stage for what would develop the bands reputation: thick, abrasive guitars balanced by sometimes soft rhythms and a vocal style that varies between screamed and sung. Boy Sets Fire have built a strong reputation as a hard working touring act. They have had over eight U.S tours including stints with Avail, Snapcase, The Enkindels, Brothers Keeper, and Reach The Sky. The release of Consider (1995), The Day The Sun Went Out (1997) and In Chrysalis (1999) have defined the Boy Sets Fire sound. These albums are marked by bitingly political commentary, and perhaps the most emotive hardcore ever. Boys Sets Fire manage to find their own sound while wearing their diverse punk and hardcore influences on their sleeves, rivaling genre defining records by bands like Fugazi and Avail while still retaining a youthful edge and sincerity.

The addition of bassist Rob Avery has given BSF more energy than ever, with Chad Istvan and Joshua Latshaw providing the unique dual guitar interplay, adding the little dash of metal that bridges the hardcore and emo styles together. Fronting this powerhouse is arguably one of the most gifted singers of his generation, Nathan Gray. Nathan is a born singer and has a voice that sounds like no other. In addition, Nathan writes coherent, compelling lyrics delivered with ease as he shifts between smooth singing, shouting, and the primal scream that is hardcore de rigeur.