Boys Life Reunite, Reissue 'Departures and Landfalls'

BY Gregory AdamsPublished May 6, 2015

Speculation surrounding a mysterious Boys Life-related teaser can be put to rest, as the mid-'90s Midwestern emo band have confirmed they've reunited and that a reissue of their 1996 LP Departures and Landfalls is on the way.

Topshelf Records explained through its website that it's teamed up with the Kansas City quartet to deliver a new pressing of the LP, which had originally been issued through Headhunter/Cargo. Just like last month's teaser insinuated, this next edition arrives August 14.

The record will be housed in a gatefold LP sleeve with slightly modified artwork. It's as yet unclear if there will be any extra music will be added to eight-song effort. Recorded by Bob Weston (Shellac), the album was notable for toning down Boys Life's earlier post-hardcore approach, influenced by Drive Like Jehu and Fugazi, and bringing the band into more ornate, though no less explosive territory.

It was their last LP before folding in the late '90s, but they'd go on to play in bands including the Farewell Bend, Canyon and White Whale. Guitarist/vocalist Brandon Butler also issues a series of solo efforts, with the most recent being his Heno 12-inch from 2012 .

Boys Life have announced that, in addition to reissuing Departures and Landfalls, they'll be playing reunion shows as well. So far, there's a hometown show at Kansa City's recordBar on October 16, which also features a performance from Giants Chair, with whom they'd issued a split 7-inch in 1995. More tour dates are expected to be announced in the near future.

Latest Coverage