In the heart of North London, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with UK alt-rock trio bôa following their sold-out show at Islington Assembly Hall. The excitement and energy of the night were palpable, and it was clear that the band’s return was a momentous occasion for fans and the band alike.
With over 1 billion streams across their catalog, bôa is making a grand comeback with Whiplash, their first new album in over twenty years. Produced by Chris Zane (known for his work with Jack Antonoff, Passion Pit, and St. Lucia), Whiplash is set for release on October 18. The announcement comes alongside the release of the album’s title track and an accompanying video, which can be watched and listened to here.
The resurgence of bôa’s 1998 cult favorite “Duvet” on TikTok has been a key factor in their return. The song has been featured in nearly 300,000 videos on the platform and has amassed over 688 million streams on Spotify. This newfound popularity among a new generation of fans inspired bôa to reunite, bringing a renewed sense of passion to their music. They teased this new chapter with the release of singles “Walk With Me,” “Beautiful & Broken,” and “Worry.”
The album’s title, Whiplash, is a reflection of the band’s personal and professional highs and lows, as well as the broader cultural turbulence we all experience. The themes of pain, solitude, and triumph in the album resonate across generations, making bôa’s music feel both timeless and contemporary.
Frontwoman Jasmine Rodgers shared, "From the first moment in the rehearsal room, we were writing again. Al and I would come up with riffs, and we’d all sketch out a song and build layers. During the songwriting period, I went through a significant breakup, which led to a lot of introspection and self-acceptance. Some of the lyrics reflect that personal journey, while others address my view of the world and how I still feel out of place. 'Whiplash' could be about breakups, but it also represents the crazy ride Lee, Al, and I have been on with bôa."
The title track of Whiplash bridges the gap between bôa’s new and long-time fans, delivering the raw, guitar-driven sound that originally inspired the band. Jasmine’s emotive lyricism on the track reflects on the coexistence of good and bad experiences and the importance of accepting people as they are.
In addition to the album, bôa is embarking on their first-ever North American headline tour, starting on September 11. The tour includes stops in Los Angeles at The Fonda, Brooklyn at Warsaw (for two nights), Chicago at Thalia Hall, and more, with support from Rocket and Sea Lemon. Following the North American leg, bôa will return to the UK and Europe for another sold-out tour starting on October 17.
What was it like stepping into the studio together after so many years?
Honestly, it felt just like yesterday. We slipped back into our old rhythm immediately, even started arguing like old times. But it was nice. Very nice.
Was there a specific theme for the new album, or did you just see what worked?
The album revolves around breakups, breakdowns, and divorces. It all comes in threes. There's a bit of reflection, a bit of sorrow, and a bit of acceptance.
How did the idea of making a new album come about?
When one of our old tracks went viral, Duvet, we got a call from someone at the network. They were interested in releasing another album, and we thought, why not? We had a lot of new material that we hadn't really thought about releasing.
What was it like making the album after so long?
It was effortless in some ways, but challenging in others. We were in different parts of the country, so finding a central studio was tough. But we were determined, and the network was incredibly supportive, allowing us the creative freedom we needed.
Why did you choose "Whiplash" as a single?
It's a gentle track, much like "Walk With Me." It's strong, optimistic, and playful. It's a mix of brokenness and reflection, which we think resonates well with our listeners.
You've got a sellout American tour coming up. How does that feel?
It's incredible. We can't wait to get out there. By the time we're back for the UK tour, there will still be dates available for London and Brighton. We're excited to preview the new album live.
Any last thoughts on performing live again? We just hope the crowd enjoys it as much as we do. If we forget any lyrics, I'll just let the crowd carry us through. It's all about connecting with our fans again.
Stay tuned for more music and news from bôa as they continue their exciting journey.
Words by Tim L.
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