REVIEW: Boston Manor - Be Nothing. 10 Year Anniversary
- Theviya R Karunaharan
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
A monumental ten years has passed since Be Nothing. by BOSTON MANOR was released. The debut album that helped anchor the Blackpool pop punk band on the maps contains tracks such as Laika, Lead Feet and Forget Me Not - as the fanbase has grown over the years, these tracks have been in demand with fans excited to hear them performed live. Since 2016, BOSTON MANOR have developed their artistic flair across four studio albums, evolving through a diverse range of alternative rock sounds. In celebration, BOSTON MANOR have released Be Nothing. 10 Year Anniversary. Formed of four acoustic versions of fan favourites, these tracks showcase a modern and matured take whilst preserving the original pop punk atmosphere.
Stripping back from the hammering drums from the original track, Lead Feet opens with mellow strumming. The softly spoken lyrics create a vulnerable atmosphere as the narrator processes how a mistake that changed the trajectory of their life. The repetition of “there’s no words” within the bridge obtain some understanding and hopelessness. Rage is still felt within the last chorus which contradicts the gentle instrumentals.
A gut wrenching rendition of another fan favourite, Laika, follows. Guilt flood the lyrics with amplified themes of financial strain, self sabotage and loneliness. Through Henry Cox’s layered vocals, the pain of leaving someone is evident. The track slows down for the bridge with a focus on guitar strums. Using the line “as lonely as Laika, Up there all alone”, isolation is more evident within this acoustic rendition.
Taking a more playful start, Forget Me Not shares the reality of Alzheimer's with uplifting strumming. The contrasted lyrics spotlight the frustrations that the narrator experiences with not remembering birthdays. The synths during the bridge grip onto the positive memories experienced with the person.
Drowned In Gold was released as a single after the release of Be Nothing. The overlooked single finally gets its moment to shine and make itself evident to newer fans. With a wide array of choices throughout one’s life, the acoustic rendition takes a lighter approach. No anger is present through the bridge as the verse “This time I’m bulletproof, you won’t take me alive” tackles the situation with acceptance. Growth is followed with understanding that life is hard, an incredible way to end the EP.
Whether you’d call it a celebration is debatable, but listening to the gut-wrenching EP makes one thing clear: BOSTON MANOR’s Be Nothing. was a defining record. One that would ultimately change the trajectory of the band and cement its place as a timeless album. Many of the themes explored through the album are still prevalent ten years on and carry the same emotional weight. Their ability to revisit nostalgic tracks and reshape them through a more mature and fully developed sound is remarkable.
Score: 10/10
Be Nothing. 10 Year Anniversary was released on 14th August 2026 via Pure Noise Records.
Words: Theviya R Karunaharan
Photos: Niall Lea
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