The Boston-area band -- which also includes John Keefe (drums), Bryan Donahue (bass) and Paul DiGiovanni (lead guitar) -- is paying that feeling forward by focusing on making lasting connections with its fans. It's clear from the first note of their self-titled debut disc, which kicks off with the youthful enthusiasm of "The Great Escape" and closes with the "what's next?" sentiment of ballad "Holiday." In between is emotionally-charged rock that isn't afraid to wear its heart on its sleeve, digs a good pop hook and certainly speaks volumes to anyone who has loved--and maybe got their heart bruised in the process.
However, it's the pure love of the fans that has gotten Boys Like Girls this far already. After years of playing in various bands throughout their high school days, John, Bryan and Martin solidified the BLG line-up with Paul (who, after joining the band, was discovered to be John's cousin).
To an active listener the album plays out with the ups and downs of a new relationship, charting the story of youth, love, adventure -- and the loss and heartbreak that is sometimes a byproduct of putting yourself on the line.
After finishing the album, the band was hungry to get back to the fans, touring with Cute Is What We Aim For and then with Butch Walker. This time the experience had changed again--for both the band and audience.
"Now we are able to play the songs that we perfected in the studio. It really changed the experience for us. We knew these songs were the final, real deal so we are able to give them that extra flavor live. It's amazing," says Johnson who is always quick to bring it back to the faces in the crowd. "There's so much emotional connection to the music, from us and the fans that it doesn't get any better than playing live. It's like we're giving them a small part of us in a three minute, little compressed package."
Boys Like Girls will continue to give their everything. The fans are already listening. Are you?
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