The Boney King of Nowhere – Everybody Knows (2024)

When I ride my bicycle through the Utrechtsestraat in Amsterdam, I often make two stops. At the thrift shop in Kerkstraat, and at the second-hand house and techno bins of Concerto record store. There are always gems to be found in both places, which I perhaps should have kept to myself. Anyway, earlier this month I walked into Concerto and was greeted by the music the salesperson had put on. Moving on to the second-hand section, I turned around and asked at the counter if this was something by Radiohead that I did not know of. I have a group of friends who are die-hard Radiohead fans, and they will probably judge me for this, but I’m one of those listeners who structurally ignore a few of their albums.

It turned out I was completely wrong, as I had confused the voice of Thom Yorke with The Boney King of Nowhere’s. Fortunately, it seems I’m not the only one, now that I read the album review from OOR Magazine. It draws comparisons with Hail to the Thief, one of those Radiohead records that I never gave a chance. Just like I have heard about the Belgian The Boney King of Nowhere before, but never really played his music. Until now!

When listening to the new album ‘Everybody Knows’, the trick is not to think about Thom Yorke for a moment. Then I hear a great voice with a wide range and its own sound. Along with beautiful immersive music. I especially like the strong drum parts and wonderful string arrangements. One of Bony King’s band members also makes music with Tamino, the resemblance is easy to hear. The lyrics critically reflect on themes of modern-day society, such as new generations struggling with new technologies. The opening lines of the album ironically encourage: “Picture yourself the best way you can. Put it online and live up to it.”

I’m not going to say more about the album now, I’m curious what you think of it. Please do yourself a favour, play this gem entirely and make sure you don’t find out about it twenty years after its release, like I did with Hail to the Thief. ;)

~ Stef

Check out the album on Spotify or Bandcamp

Join the conversation on Discord