A Shiver Down Your Spine - Bosco Bosco (2020)

A Shiver Down Your Spine is the first Halloween EP from South West London three-piece Bosco Bosco (so good they named it twice). This is indeed the band’s first EP, however, have explored a heavier sound (than previous singles) to celebrate spooky season! The band consists of siblings Matt and Rachel (guitarist and vocalist respectively) and bassist Oisin with the group currently being in between drummers. Pink Mirrors’ drummer Larry recorded ‘Witch Hunt’ with the band following the departure of their former drummer this summer. Bosco Bosco has already released two singles this year, ‘Pretty Town’ and ‘Energy’, with the music video of ‘Pretty Town’ amassing over 10k views on Facebook. The group have also released an eerie music video for ‘Witch Hunt’ which will almost definitely hit the same heights.

A Shiver Down Your Spine has been split into two releases for promotional reasons: the leading single ‘Witch Hunt’ and the EP featuring ‘Maniac’ and ‘Monster – Bosco2 Mix’. All three tracks add up to make the A Shiver Down Your Spine EP. ‘Witch Hunt’ is the opening track, and I cannot think of a better song to open the EP. Starting with the electronic melody and Rachel’s airy vocals, the drums quickly drop into the mix beginning this rise of intensity towards the chorus. The crescendo of the verse reaches its climax and wow. Yes, you might be expecting a darker side to Bosco Bosco, but you are not prepared for the sheer onslaught this chorus brings. The punishing riff blends perfectly with the crashing cymbals, pieced together perfectly by the bass rumbling beneath it. Scenes. As the song progresses a sort of dialogue between characters becomes apparent through the backing vocals from both Rachel and Matt. This is also indicated through the vocal distortion on the last line of each chorus: “it’s a curse inside of me”. This distortion hints at a hidden truth that the protagonist does not want to let out, a secret – maybe something that unfolds in the music video?

The electronic influence is apparent throughout the A Shiver Down Your Spine. It features as a backing melody in ‘Witch Hunt’ and as the main melody in the bridge (leading to the solo) as well as throughout ‘Maniac’ and, of course, ‘Monster’. ‘Monster’ is quite simply, an EDM banger. Like ‘Witch Hunt’ it is exploring another genre that Bosco Bosco like to incorporate in their music. ‘Monster’ is a fantastic way to end this three-track EP by moving away from the guitars and allowing resident band DJ Oisin to mix up a storm. The electronica in both ‘Maniac’ and ‘Witch Hunt’ lead very nicely into this track through electronic backing but allowing this style to take full-force, and the results are brutal. ‘Maniac’, on the other hand, is described by Bosco Bosco as being “funky, rocky and emo” which, as far as I am concerned, is a perfect description. The verses are much more classic Bosco Bosco and could have featured on any release, but still explores those heavier elements in the chorus and breakdown at the end. Once again, the vocal modulation is incredible blending perfectly with the electronic backing track. However, the guitars are really the stars on this one. The opening verse sets the tone with a rumbling, intricate bass line, as well as the breakdown mentioned above to close out the track. The riff has a live feel to it through its sheer power as well as the distortion – something I would love to see explored more on future Bosco Bosco songs.

As A Shiver Down Your Spine is only three tracks, it would be unfair to single ones out above the others in terms of stand-out songs. So instead, I choose all three for three different reasons. ‘Witch Hunt’ because of its vicious chorus, ‘Maniac’ as it is a pop track disguised with distortion – so very catchy – and ‘Monster’ as your big party tune. Bosco Bosco has created an unreal EP here, especially considering it was all recorded and synthesised during the pandemic. The band’s fighting spirit to not let anything halt their production is admirable, and the results are downright impeccable!