From Denial to Acceptance: Exploring Destroy Boys Album ‘Funeral Soundtrack #4’ The Stages of Grief During Metamorphosis

Don’t call it Riot Grrrl. Destroy Boys have made it abundantly clear though they may have drawn inspiration from Riot Grrrl legends, and they may tap into feminist themes their music transcends the genre sonically and lyrically. They sit comfortably somewhere at the crossroads of garage rock and punk rock,collecting essences of genres like ingredients to cook up their own vibe that can’t be duplicated.  

The band began their musical journey in their teens, playing around with genre and making some emotionally charged rock tracks that resonate with teenage angst and growing up. Now they are in their mid-twenties and solidifying their sound with Funeral Soundtrack #4.

When examining this LP, one might wonder: What is this a funeral for? Is the band coming to an end, or are they completely abandoning their previous sound? I’d argue that the album represents both a funeral and a rebirth. It guides listeners through the stages of grief as the band comes to terms with growing up, rediscovering themselves and losing relationships.

The album art features the eyes from their self-released 2018 album, Make Room, further emphasizing the changes in their music and identity. Make Room addresses the struggles of high school, dating, and mental health, while Funeral Soundtrack #4 reflects the more mature version of themselves. It represents the realization that the issues that once seemed so significant in high school are only the beginning.

Anger

The album opens with an angry tone, reminiscent of goth rock artists like Joy Division. Macabre guitar and synths punctuate the instrumental backdrop, supporting the signature low-toned vocals of singer Alexia Roditis. The chorus erupts into a layered explosion of drums and bass, adding depth to the track. "Bad Guy" begins the album with the band expressing their frustration at being labeled as the "bad guy," rebelling against being confined by others' expectations. They assert themselves and demand respect through defiance.

The band returns to their punk roots with the fierce "You Hear Yes," featuring prominent punk rock figures Kat Moss of Scowl and Marisa Dabice of Mannequin Pussy. The track is charged with a primal intensity, representing a refusal to accept certain harsh realities. From the small inconveniences of daily life to the danger of navigating society as a non-man, "You Hear Yes" captures the raw anger and resistance felt by those confronting societal challenges.

Denial

The second track and single, "Plucked," fully embraces the denial stage. It explores the stripping away of one's humanity, sometimes by their own actions. The raw emotion of rediscovering oneself and the vulnerability of this process are evident. Though fun and a bit dancey with a catchy riff and pop punk-esque soundscapes, the chorus lyric, “Just a bird with plucked wings,” captures the emotional struggle of feeling as though one may be stuck in a stage of growth without the possibility of moving forward. The word "just" seems to diminish the hope for growth and transformation.

Depression 

Depression is a tricky stage because both of these songs contain a glimmer of hope. "Praying" delves into the emotional struggles of growth, with the chorus offering a note of optimism: “Wait a second / I think I have been this place before / I got out once and I’m coming back for more / I can see what you hide / And I’ve decided I don’t want it in my life.” The track reflects on past moments of feeling lost and hopeless. Revisiting these times can be challenging, but Destroy Boys has grown to recognize the signs and fight their way out, ultimately choosing a better path. The instrumental backing is a solid rock jam, with anthemic and powerful guitars that enhance the hopeful tone of the lyrics.

This sense of hopefulness continues into the bilingual powerhouse "Shadow (I’m Breaking Down)," an alt rock headbanger with poignant lyricism. The first half of the track conveys a feeling of being "somatically sad," with the sadness feeling almost permanent despite the promise of clearer skies. However, the second half of the song reclaims their emotions from the dark thoughts, declaring: “I take back my energy / I take away the need to please everybody.” This mantra helps them transition from the depression stage closer to acceptance.

Photo by Matty Vogel

Acceptance

This feeling transitions into the next stage with "Shedding Skin." The track explores the concept of acceptance, reflecting on past mistakes and acknowledging the need for change and improvement. It involves tracing undesirable patterns back to their source themself. The song is about renewal and making the leap to shed old layers and embrace a new self.

"Amor Divino" represents the next step, which is falling completely in love again with oneself and those around you. Sung entirely in Spanish, the title translates to "Divine Love," a sentiment closely tied to self-love. Loving who you are fully requires understanding your identity. Singer Alexia Roditis has embraced their identity and heritage, growing into themselves and perhaps falling deeply in love with their true self. This involves accepting both flaws and virtues.

Queerness plays a significant role in this album. The final track and first single, "BoyFeel," explores Roditis' identity as a nonbinary person and how it impacts their relationship with themself and their music. While "BoyFeel" delves into the confusion of gender and its implications, it ultimately concludes with accepting one's body as it is and living fearlessly. This is evident in the opening lines:

“Button up my collared shirt / Might f*ck around and wear a skirt / Darken the hair that shouldn’t be there / Hide your kids, best beware.”

Roditis is acutely aware of the world's confusion and fear but chooses to live authentically despite the noise. They embrace the freedom to wear what they want and be who they want.

The stages of grief can occur in any order and may be experienced multiple times before reaching acceptance. Funeral Soundtrack #4 addresses grief uniquely, associating each aspect of self-growth with losing parts of oneself. The album navigates through these stages before ultimately arriving at acceptance, highlighting the necessity of grieving each piece before achieving true freedom.