Interview by Cody-James Henderson
SoCal has produced decades of genre defining, soul capturing Punk Rock over the past 5 decades. From Black Flag to Green Day, AFI to The Bombpops if there is one thing California can provide, its Punk Rock that will move you. But surely after delivering consistently since the mid 70’s, the talent pool would have to be running out, right?
Wrong. Meet Destroy Boys.
Formed by Alexia Roditis (They/Them) and Violet Mayugba (She/Her) initially as an acoustic project in 2015, the duo has since become a full fledged 4 piece of abrasive punk with the beauty of emotion right at the core. A collection of influences, this Riot Grrrl outfit draw on the likes of Against Me! Sleater Kinney, The Misfits and Lady Gaga to curate their stories which has lead them to being one of the most exciting up and coming acts in the modern Punk Rock scenes across the globe.
Since their formation, the band has released 3 full length albums (Sorry Mom – 2016, Make Room – 2018 and Open Mouth, Open Heart – 2021) and are set to release their 4th on August 9th titled Funeral Soundtrack #4. The album takes the signature sounds the band has been known for but revitalises it for a new generation of fans who may be unaware of just who Destroy Boys are.
The album is without a doubt an Album of the Year contender. Its equal parts moving with songs like ‘Boyfeel’ and ‘Amor Divino’ being captivating and heart string playing songs about love and identity; whilst also being mirrored by intensity, message driven in your face Punk Rock. Songs like ‘Should’ve Been Me’ and ‘Beg for Torture’ show the bands hardcore influences with short, stabbing punk rock. Combining the best of both worlds, ‘You Hear Yes’ recruiting Scowl and Mannequin Pussy to deliver a truly wrathful song about the experiences of Women/Female Presenting people not just in the music industry, but in the everyday world.
Our own Cody-James Henderson had a chance to sit down with Violet and Alexia to talk more about the bands new album, as well as the bands largest US Tour to date in support of Funeral Soundtrack #4 and even discuss plans for the band to come to Australia for the first time in 2025.
