Pictures from Veronica Mcquade

In London’s music scene, KickBoy stands out as an unruly yet irresistible force. They aren’t just another punk band; they’re creators of a niche genre they call “milk-punk” combining punk’s raw edge with jazz’s unpredictable flair and DIY sensibilities. Their latest video, Vision Shakes, drops just in time for Halloween, delivering a chaotic dose of their signature style and offering fans a chance to dive deeper into the enigmatic world they’ve built. Here’s a look at what makes KickBoy tick and how this “milk-punk” unit has taken the UK by storm.

Who is KickBoy?

KickBoy’s lineup is as eclectic as their sound. Led by frontman Jamie, who juggles vocals, bass and guitar duties, KickBoy feels like a collection of misfits who’ve each brought their own unique musical influences to the table.

Jamie, who also takes charge of songwriting, is a powerhouse. He blend aggressive punk riffs with intricate noise-making. Jules, the band’s rhythm guitarist, switches effortlessly between guitar and synth, sharing lead vocal duties. Lead guitarist Chris brings a crisp edge and chemistry to the band’s sonic palette, as he’s also Jamie’s oldest friend. The saxophonist, Connie, is the band’s jazz and post-punk aficionado, contributing a brassiness they call the perfect “honk.” Meanwhile, Owen, their drummer, is known for translating Jamie’s wild ideas into dynamic beats, rounding out a sound that could only belong to KickBoy.

A Band Born from Chaos​

KickBoy’s journey began in 2019, during a shared flat experience in Bristol between Jamie and Chris. The two friends often daydreamed about starting a band that defied musical convention, and slowly the idea took form. As each member joined, often through bizarre encounters, the lineup evolved in surprising ways. Jamie met drummer Owen during a late-night smoke break at Bristol’s iconic club, Thekla. Through a musician-matching app, he found Jules, and later, a mutual friend introduced him to Connie, whose saxophone has since become a hallmark of KickBoy’s music.

Not until 2023 did the band truly solidify into the five-member ensemble they are today. Their journey together has transformed them into a close-knit, somewhat eccentric family. “We don’t just play music; we live this sound,” says Jamie.

The KickBoy Sound and the “Milk-Punk” Ethos

KickBoy’s music, as they describe it, is the product of “shprongle”, a playful term Jamie uses to signify the off-kilter, indefinable qualities that shape their sound. Drawing influences from bands like Thee Oh Sees, Beck and Viagra Boys, they use jazz and punk foundations to add an unpredictable DIY twist. Jamie often develops the initial song ideas in his bedroom, combining strange sounds that spark the rest of the band’s imagination. Chris has come to understand Jamie’s process, knowing exactly when to call on Connie for a “good honk” or direct Owen for a beat that defies traditional drumming.

Their creation process is open and collaborative, with each member adding their unique flavor. This approach has led to a sound that feels both experimental and grounded in familiar punk and jazz structures – a sound they’ve dubbed “milk-punk”, in homage to their offbeat, sometimes surrealist influences.

Behind the Video: Vision Shakes

You can watch the NEW video here

KickBoy’s Halloween release, Vision Shakes, is a visual sequel to their debut video, Portland from Streetview. Both videos dwelve into KickBoy’s fictional lore, where Jamie’s character recruits bandmates through a mysterious liquid, affectionately dubbed “milk-punk.” This quirky backstory adds a theatrical layer to their identity, with each video introducing new “members” through surreal initiations.

Vision Shakes is set at a Halloween party, where the band, donned in homemade costumes, summons Connie as a sax-wielding entity and enlists Jules through a spooky séance. The video is a DIY production at heart, filmed across friends’ flats in London with handmade props. Directed by Jamie’s longtime friend Alex Skelton, it captures KickBoy’s ethos: an anything-goes approach where friends, fans and bandmates work together to bring this world to life.

The band even roped in an unseen body double for Owen in some scenes, embracing a guerrilla-style filmmaking that blurs the line between performance and reality. “We wanted it to feel like you’re right there with us, thrown into this crazy world,” says Jamie. “Every bit of it is authentic KickBoy chaos.”

What’s Next for KickBoy?

Fresh off a breakout performance at Rotterdam’s Left of the Dial festival, where they packed a 300-seat venue with new fans, KickBoy is ready for a wild 2025. The band aims to take their “milk-punk” energy across Europe, hoping to bring their sound to new stages. Jamie reflects on their recent successes: “Europe’s scene has so much energy — it feels like they really get into what we’re trying to do.”

For KickBoy, music is more than just a sound. For those ready to join the ride, follow the band on Instagram and see their journey unfold. Halloween is about to get loud, unpredictable, and yes, a bit milky. :]