On the radar: Boston Manor

Ash Wilson and Mike Cunniff, guitarists with Blackpool’s own Boston Manor, blend the best bits of Brand New with Blink-182’s most melancholy moments. 

The pair construct poignant pop-punk tunes that cast a North West English gloom over the genre’s sun-kissed Californian roots

Both self-taught, the pair construct poignant pop-punk tunes that cast a North West English gloom over the genre’s sun-kissed Californian roots. 

Gear-wise, it’s a Japanese-made Fender Special Mustang Pawn Shop for Mike, while Ash favours his battered and beloved Burstbucker-equipped Korean Tokai. Both swear by Orange amps and Mr Black Deluxe reverb pedals. 

Back in Black

“If you open up the back of a pedal with a screw driver you can see a personal message written on the metal case,” says Mike. You can hear it used to great effect on the track Cu from new album, Be Nothing. 

“We kinda improvised the solo,” enthuses Ash. “We made it super sloppy & lazy with the bends and slides… and went really OTT with the effects!”

(Image credit: Press)
  • For fans of: Brand New, Blink-182
  • Hear: Laika
Matt Parker

Matt is a freelance journalist who has spent the last decade interviewing musicians for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.

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