Choir Boy is an American synth-pop[1][2] band from Salt Lake City, Utah. The band consists of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Adam Klopp, guitarist Michael Paulsen, bassist Chaz Costello and keyboardist/saxophonist Jeff Kleinman.
Choir Boy | |
|---|---|
 Choir Boy performing at Wave-Gotik-Treffen in 2022 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2016–present |
| Labels | Dais, Team Love |
| Members |
|
| Past members |
|
| Website | www |
The band's sound is reminiscent of styles from the 1980s including synth-pop, dream pop, indie pop and post-punk. It has drawn comparisons to artists ranging from Kate Bush, Bryan Ferry, The Cure and The Smiths.[3]
History
editThe name "Choir Boy” was chosen to reclaim a nickname previously used to torment lead singer Adam Klopp as a teenager when he fronted bands in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.[4] Klopp was raised in a devout religious household and sang in choirs growing up but was insulted when he entered the DIY punk scene.[3] Klopp moved from Cleveland to Provo, Utah to attend Brigham Young University, where he played in multiple bands including the chamber pop and indie folk band Bat Manors, which he sang in and wrote a song titled "Choir Boy".[5] Seeking a fresh start to suit his new musical style, he started a project with the new name Choir Boy.[6]
Choir Boy released their debut album, Passive With Desire, in 2016 on Team Love Records. They then signed to Dais Records, following up their first album with the 2018 single "Sunday Light". Their second album, Gathering Swans, was released in May 2020 to positive reviews.[7]
In 2023, Choir Boy opened for AFI's Sing the Sorrow 20th anniversary show.[8]
Reception
editNew Noise Magazine praised their second album, Gathering Swans, saying that it “has elements that everyone wants in sensible pop; danceable, memorable, meaningful, powerful, music and lyrics that stay with you and don’t need to beg for repeated listens.” Newsweek was equally positive, saying that the “second album from Choir Boy mastermind Adam Klopp features a dramatically moving vocal performance all throughout.”[9] Paste also gave the album a good review, saying that “Choir Boy is one-of-a-kind band with a one-of-a-kind sound.”[10]
In 2024, Paste ranked Gathering Swans at No. 92 in its list of "The 100 Best Albums of the 2020s So Far".[11]
Band members
editPermanent lineup
edit- Adam Klopp — vocals, synths, guitar, piano, percussion and sequencing
- Michael Paulsen — guitar
- Chaz Costello — bass
- Jeff Kleinman — keyboard, saxophone
Past members
edit- Katrina Marie Ricks Peterson — bass, vocals
- Bret Meisenbach — guitar
- Jacob Hall — drums
- Kyle Hooper — keyboard
- Alyssa Pyper — strings
- Kaden Hendron — keyboard, synthesizer
Discography
editAlbums
edit- Passive with Desire (Team Love, 2016)[12]
- Gathering Swans (Dais Records, 2020)[13]
References
edit- ^ "Choir Boy's Adam Klopp Is the Swan-Gathering, Planet-Saving, Synth-Pop Archangel We All Need Right Now - AdHoc". May 8, 2020. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
- ^ "That Music Magazine » Salt Lake City-based Choir Boy delivers synth-pop, post-punk record, 'Gathering Swans'". Retrieved March 5, 2023.
- ^ a b Buljeta, Marija. "Interview: Adam Klopp talks about "Gathering Swans" and Choir Boy". Altvenger Magazine. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
- ^ Charpentier, Abigail. "Choir Boy Announce New Album 'Gathering Swans' on Dais". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
- ^ Stonehocker, Kolbie. "Bat Manors". Salt Lake City Weekly. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
- ^ Sheehan, Gavin. "Choir Boy". Salt Lake City Weekly. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
- ^ Choir Boy Announce New Album 'Gathering Swans' on Dais, Broadway World. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
- ^ "AFI roars through 20th anniversary 'Sing the Sorrow' show at Kia Forum". Daily Breeze. March 12, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
- ^ Album Review: Choir Boy – Gathering Swans, Michael Mitchell - New Noise Magazine. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
- ^ Choir Boy Shine Brighter than Ever on Gathering Swans, Annie Black - Paste Magazine. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
- ^ "The 100 Best Albums of the 2020s So Far".
- ^ Choir Boy, Team Love. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
- ^ Gathering Swans, Apple Music. Retrieved October 8, 2020.