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Some tasteful cosplaying has brought Greg Hoy and The Boys all the way to the studio, with their latest release, Demons At Night. The 4 song EP becomes something unexpectedly heartfelt when you learn the project was inspired by the late Eddie Van Halen. A love of 80s hair metal, sees Greg Hoy and The Boys paying tribute to the mecca of the era; the mighty Van Halen. This aesthetic isn’t typical for Greg and Co, as it’s almost a side project within the same group. While Demons At Night has something of a malevolent title, its content and texture is of a benevolent spirit.
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There’s not a lot to Demons At Night in terms of length. It’s actually 3 songs with a short intro piece. “1983” a great year, indeed, is the official opening track of Demons At Night. An ominous guitar effect gives way to a 60 second march into the night. Not much to say about this one, but that it most likely garners the desired effect. It sets the tone for something special, which Greg and The Boys do their best to deliver upon.
The intro launches us into the title track, and Greg and The Boys shine immediately. It’s apparent from the start that we have competent songwriters on our hands. The group finds a middle ground between their authentic identity, and channeling the spirit of 80s glam. Demons at night/love at first light. The title track is surprisingly, yet fittingly upbeat. After all, VH weren’t in the business of writing sad songs. “Demons At Night,” lets us know that we are in for a good time, under the auspices of a festive mood. It’s catchy and engaging, and feels celebratory, as opposed to mournful.
“Everybody Wants To Be Somebody,” may just be the centerpiece of the record. Generally, a song with a fantastic title is guaranteed to be great, and this is no exception. The slapping groove of the chorus and the enthusiastic vocal make this one absolutely infectious. “Everybody Wants To Be Somebody,” would be a hit in any era. Go out of your way to seek this tune out, as it’s nothing short of a banger.
The closing track, “Stripes,” lifts the synth line from VH’s “And The Cradle Will Rock,” in one final nod. Not as immediate as the previous two tracks, “Stripes” is nevertheless a fine closer. For Greg and The Boys it’s a fitting tribute to the goliath of Rock music that was Eddie Van Halen. The title is most likely a reference to EVH’s custom striped guitar. By this point of the record you realize that Greg Hoy and The Boys have earned theirs.
At only 11 minutes deep, Greg and The Boys subscribe to the theory that less is more. The Los Angeles based trio have successfully honored their alter egos and done something rather noble as well. It’s actually inspiring to hear how meaningful this project this was to them. They honored their hero and did exactly what he probably would have advised them to; take it seriously, but fun is priority. Demons At Night will be available on October 7th.
Jennifer Munoz
