Track of the Day: Bricknasty - 'Boyfriend'

Their first release of the year, Ballymun collective Bricknasty are back with ‘Boyfriend,’ a mesmeric jam that cross-pollinates R&B, soul and psychedelic jazz fusion. During a recent stint in London, the group shot an intimate live performance video at the renowned Bush Hall, directed and produced by Willow Kennedy and filmed by Kennedy and Iarla McKeon.

“I wrote this song for me ma and her girlfriend at the time (2019) they're split up now but it was good while it lasted and I’m happy for her always and happy this song came from them two’s relationship,” Bricknasty frontman Fatboy says of the ​​inspiration behind the track.

With its effervescent groove, unyielding vocals and rip-roaring melody, ‘Boyfriend’ joins a number of dazzling tunes that continue to push Bricknasty to the forefront of a new wave of Irish innovators with a narrative bent and ambitions for new formulas.

Initially evolving from a chance encounter on Soundcloud between frontman/guitarist Fatboy and producer Cillian McCauley, Bricknasty expanded to a fully fledged physical band with the introduction of Dara Abdurahman (bass), Korey Thomas (drums) and Louis Younge (sax/keys). From infectious energy and soulful chords to soft, woozy vocals, together Bricknasty’s music effortlessly traverses RnB, neo soul, jazz and psych citing influences such as D’Angelo, MF Doom, and Timbaland.

As the members have flourished, so too have their songs, with each individual contributing to both existing demos and the wider texture of the collective’s identity and vision. Their obvious harmony and musical synchronicity as a band extends to their live shows too, which have caused a groundswell of word-of-mouth buzz in Dublin and beyond.

On 'Boyfriend,' the band' flourishing synchronicity and sonic textures are on full display. With its loose-jointed groove and full-bodied vocals, the track is an instant earworm and an auspicious display of Bricknasty's airtight chemistry and codified identity.

It’s this spirit of innovation, resilience, visibility and optimism which binds Bricknasty as a collective, and carries on the legacy of an area which has spawned some of Irish music’s most influential acts, including revered hip hop group Urban Intelligence and their label Workin’ Class Records. Bricknasty continue to show up at the forefront of a new wave of Irish innovators, rejecting cliches and prioritising telling essential, modern Irish stories in their place.

With their new music, Bricknasty have certainly heightened the anticipation for their upcoming live gigs this summer across Ireland.

Next week (12/04), they perform Trinity Ball, followed by a gig at Ulster Sports Club in Belfast on 23/05 and a slot at Sea Sessions in Donegal on 21/06. For further information, please see here.