Puma Theory
Foolish Boy
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I’m no longer surprised that a blackhole just outside of Basingstoke can produce great talent. Reading’s done it and given us Puma Theory who’ve just released their newest and freshest single ‘Foolish Boy’. How foolish is it? And am I foolish to expect an album soon?
Puma Theory like to take their time when it comes to new music. After all, we got ‘Hit & Run’ in 2023 (and I list it in our May 2024 Dispatch as one of those songs we listened to a lot), ‘Sobering Lights’ earlier this year, and ‘Foolish Boy’ only now, almost at the close of 2024.
Three singles in such a long span of time may not look like much, but you have to remember they may not be new to their local scene, they’re new to the national stage, and building the audience releasing only perfection is crucial for any new band.
Not foolish at all.
Get used to hearing ‘signiture’
We usually say this with bands proven by the test of time, but, I believe I can say this already – it’s the classic Puma Theory sound. Easily distinguishable. Easily recognisable. It’s the guitar, drums, and pedals that are forged, sculpted, and polished to something you’ll quickly recognise instantly. Signature.
The sounds is heavier than on the previous two singles and helps the underline, the main themes of the track. The sound distortion further contributes to the general feeling you get from the first few listens as it pushes forward the main character’s twisted personality.
Richness and fullness are the song’s hallmark. It never bores, you always find something new in it, something always surprises you.
Sometimes, when I listen to their songs, I just wish I could mute the singing and enjoy the rest. Rock music doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to be Pink Floyd to pass on the desired emotions.
Foolishness, isolation, and toxicity
The lyrics paint a picture of someone who’s not self-aware, as the first stanza shows with ‘foolish and he’ll never know’, someone who knows they make mistakes but never learn from them – ‘tried reasoning with his woes / but he never could make amends’.
When they heard something they don’t like, likely aimed at them, they ‘came down in a fit of spite’, responded aggressively. Eventually leading to a ‘bitter end’, they become isolated and start isolating themselves more.
What’s worse, the person’s destructive behaviour impacts others, as the the closing lines show, ‘he’s tainted you blue / so stuck in your broken ways / and now you’re playing the fool’.
It’s a cool tale of toxicity that comes with someone who’s self-destructive, knows about it, but pretends the opposite by playing the fool.
They could be a friend or partner, negatively impacting everyone.
To wrap things up
Puma Theory delivered another track we’ll be playing in the coming months. The story, comfotably leaning on the fine sound, is definitely something pay attention to. It’s exciting to see that great story-telling can be found even on the local level.
I’m hoping we’ll get another taste of the band’s contribution to the book of everyday stories soon. Who knows, maybe we’ll even hear about an album soon.
Puma Theory – Foolish Boy Video
Watch Puma Theory – ‘Foolish Boy’.
Puma Theory – Foolish Boy Lyrics
Foolish and he’ll never know
Out there with nowhere to go
Tried reasoning with his woes
But he never could make amendsHeard something he did not like
Came down in a fit of spite
Same bark and the same old bite
Through to the bitter endAnd now he’s lonely of his own accord
Tiring of you
So stuck in his broken ways
And now he’s playing the foolHis wishes have long been sold
Misfortune that can’t be told
His problems have turned him cold
But he never will let you inAnd now he’s lonely of his own accord
Tiring of you
So stuck in his broken ways
And now he’s playing the foolKeep on buying him time
In the hope that he’ll come round
But no one’s checking the warning lights to see
That you are lonely of your own accord
He’s tainted you blue
So stuck in your broken ways
And now you’re playing the fool
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Written by Vinklarek on
