ALBUM REVIEW: Datura – Boston Manor

With each BOSTON MANOR release being a step-up from the last, the expectations for their fourth studio album Datura are exceedingly high. Like Welcome To The Neighbourhood, this album builds a world and a story, and is the first of two parts. With Datura meaning ‘dusk’, its seven songs take us through one night-time, immersing us into its narrative. The five-piece from Blackpool have made a name for themselves with their unique alt-rock sound and vocalist Henry Cox’s iconic voice, and this record is no different. Because Datura is more of a concept album than anything BOSTON MANOR have previously made, there is an impression that they are pushing themselves more than ever. Experimentalism is always a risk though, and to convince listeners to fully invest in the story they are telling can’t be easy.

Opening the album is its title track, Datura (dusk). It begins quietly, with Cox’s voice in hushed tones. He describes an almost apocalyptic, tense environment, and the sirens in the background elevate this. This first track feels very restrained, but introduces the album well, bringing forward that unsettled, uneasy feeling from the beginning. Next is Floodlights On The Square, which immediately makes up for the lack of breakdowns in the previous song. It blends a heavier element in the guitars with smoother vocals, and it continues on with that existential feeling of despair. It feels simplified, but introduces the tone of the album.

One thing that BOSTON MANOR have always been incredible at is their strong, soaring choruses, and Datura isn’t any different. Passenger achieves this, and straight from the start it’s clear it’s a memorable song. While it’s complicated in different elements, this track specifically feels like it was designed to be played to a crowd, and the band have perfected making euphoric, powerful songs. They are also known for dark, heavy guitars, and that plays in perfectly with the themes of the record, especially on Foxglove, where the guitars and drums are key in creating its unique sound.

Crocus stands out as a highlight from Datura. Its lyrics expand on the album’s storytelling, feeling restrained as it begins, but building urgency throughout. It embodies the desperation and darkness of the record, and its repetition drives this message through. Shelter From The Rain is an interlude, and it’s crucial in creating the emotions of the concept album. With a monotone sound throughout and layers of rain sounds and talking, the feeling of being alone in a big city at night is demonstrated perfectly. The album ends with Inertia, a beautiful love song to contrast the previous darkness. It’s both gentle and powerful, and layers of guitar bring a level of complexity. There is a small moment of silence after the track ends, before a soundscape to possibly introduce the next part. It is intense and all consuming, but abruptly ends with birdsong, bringing Datura full circle. The album begins with dusk and ends with dawn, really feeling like a journey.

BOSTON MANOR are one of the most-loved bands in the scene for a reason, and this isn’t changing anytime soon. The problem with concept albums is they have to be listened to as a whole, and listening to the songs individually can take away from the desired impact and emotions. But, taking Datura as it is intended, it’s going to hit really hard. As a band they’ve earned the right to experiment, and in this instance, it really pays off.

Rating: 8/10

Datura is set for release on October 14th via SharpTone Records.

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