Features

There are two things that The Boothen have plenty of, and that's love for their local Sunday football team, Sneyd AFC, and attitude.

See, for those of you who have been to one of the annual Sons Records Showcases at The Victoria Hall, you might remember the lads under their previous name The Rough Charm, something they still have emblazoned on their amps as a sign of pride.

What you might not know is the underlying problems the band were encountering. With a string of gigs in back street pubs, singles that were never released, and conflicts between The Rough Charm and the other signed bands, things were never really going to work. 

Oasis-style walk-off

Following their last performance at one of the showcases, the lads were forced to perform an earlier slot. The lead singer Will Abercrombie was missing his usual banter, and the show finished in a flurry of expletives and culminated in the band staging an Oasis style walk off.

A reminder of the Rough Charm era

They vowed never to play another showcase again for SONS, and the next day the lads and the record label parted ways.

For a couple of months the lads threw themselves into different projects, and of course, football.

Then a chance offer from a music scout saw the band reform under their new name, The Boothen, a reference to the local football team Stoke City.

Attitude

You see, this back story goes someway to explain the boys attitude, that they wear like a badge of honour. Unlike other bands these lads strut onto the stage, and they demand respect. From front man Will's swagger, guitarist Liam's bouncing, bassist Danny's cheeky grin to drummer Ashley's energy, it's hard not to admire the boys.

The gig itself tonight takes place at The Box in Crewe. The Boothen are supporting May '68 as second on the bill. As we arrive with their entourage of football team mates, and supporters from their local pub, the whole venue seems to fill up.

The set itself sounds complete and fresh, with one cover, The Strokes. Understand this band are not another wannabe band - they sound nothing like The Strokes - that's not the angle the lads are going for. They're merely displaying their talent, as artists in their own right, who have the ability to make other artists songs their own. 

It's hard these days for local talent to emerge. In an age where a good record constitutes as dance beats with some talent show winner warbling over the top, good, strong music doesn't seem to get a look in.

Suburban Suicide

This of course hasn't even entered the minds of the four lads on stage. "The plan is to get big," they say, "and if all else fails we'll make sure that the ride is a memorable one." Pretty stern words, that show their drive and determination to succeed.

One listen to their newly recorded E.P. Suburban Suicide, reveals strong anthems such as 'This States a State,' 'Pure' and their title track. They show not only a cynical view of things around them, but also a comment on the state of the world at present.

The band work on many levels, and it's clear to see that, without a doubt, these guys are going to be big, sooner or later.