After ten years, indie rock band The Ordinary Boys have returned. Kicking off with a new album released earlier this month, the band is embarking on a UK tour, much to the loud delight of fans. The tour begins at Exeter’s Cavern – a place close to singer Preston’s heart. As he told the Express & Echo, “I’ve always built up this mystique law about the Cavern; I just love it.”

Having previously supported the likes of The Who, Morrissey and The Kaiser Chiefs, The Ordinary Boys are a mix of American punk, Madness-style ska (who could forget their hit single, ‘Boys Will Be Boys’?), and, in the case of their new self-titled album, an occasionally lighter, mellower sound.

“We think we have made a really special, exciting record,” Preston said in a press release. “One that has been fuelled by reunited childhood friendships, new friendships, rediscovery of the records that shaped us, and the drive to create something undeniably great. I’ve had the best year of my life making this album and we are so excited to finally be able to share it!”

Their fourth album, this one includes ‘Four Letter Word’, earlier released as a single. Driven through and through, the track has guitar and drums pounding, keeping up with the energy they’re known for. However, the track also shows a newer, perhaps more polished side to The Ordinary Boys, showing the evolution that comes with ten years. However, also on the album is ‘Awkward’, more reminiscent of their previous raw rock style. Still, even ‘Awkward’ is much more on the pop-rock side of things than their first album, ‘Over The Counter Culture’.

In a lot of ways, The Ordinary Boys have changed, and if you’re expecting the same raw attitude as ‘Maybe Someday’, you might be in for a surprise – but different doesn’t always mean bad. The song-writing skills and passion clearly poured into the album is clear, and the tour promises to be memorable.

So, should you see The Ordinary Boys play at The Cavern in Exeter, on Wednesday 21st October? Well, you’d be silly not to.

Nickie Shobeiry