Up and coming New Jersey band, Blush Boy has been tearing up the underground music scene with their insanely captivating originals. Now their debut EP Heartstrings and Other Things, is proving to the world they are ready for the big guns.
Blush Boy is comprised of five young individuals, some of whom you may recognize. Gavin Kim (guitar), previously starred in Broadway’s School of Rock alongside their guitarist and producer Luke Bonenfant. Bonenfant has produced a handful of tracks outside of the band with his production company Goodchild Inc. and recently starred in the Joel Smallbone film Unsung Hero. Blushboy’s lineup features Jake Radano (drums), and Rutgers Mason Gross Students Sid Suppiah (bass), and Kenna Heim (vocals).
Heartstrings and Other Things is composed of five original tracks — three of which were released as singles. The first, “True Colors” was released in May 2024. It was followed by “The Ships” in June, and “Candy Hearts” in August. Each track showed off a key component to Blush Boy’s sound, the perfect tease to their full EP.
“True Colors” truly showcased the band’s instrumental capabilities. The blend of instruments is like sweet sugar cane, without overpowering the vocals, whose strength truly stands its own. The guitar solo is one of my personal favorite moments in the entire EP as it elevates the track without seeming out of place.
“The Ships” is the ballad-esque track on the EP. It strips down the production and instrumental just enough to really spotlight the vocals, and the lyrics.
“Candy Hearts” sounds like it belongs in a ‘90s rom com, like 10 Things I Hate About You. “I know that there’s no guarantees // but I hope you’re thinking about me // thinking about me.” This is every hopeless romantic’s theme song to life. Regardless of its romantic and softer edge, it remains true to Blush Boy’s sound.
My personal favorite track is “Whatever You Want.” Firstly, the vocals are absolutely incredible. They are powerful but super sultry, giving into the lyrics. The emotion built through the vocals, lyrics and production sticks with you. This is most definitely a scream at the top of your lungs with the windows down. The guitar solo with the ad libs over top is the perfect setup for the calmer, absolutely beautiful bridge.
We mustn’t leave out Black Coffee. Personally this track is the outlier of the EP as it brings in a brighter and livelier sound than the rest, which are richer in both production and emotion. It also features a different member taking the lead on vocals during the first verse.
