Every so often, a project arrives that feels less like a collection of songs and more like a curated atmosphere. Malaysian-born, UK-based singer-songwriter Boey has achieved exactly that with his latest 13-track offering, The False Prince. Clocking in at just under 38 minutes, the album is a masterclass in using “airy” vocal textures to navigate heavy emotional landscapes.
Released through Breaking Music Sdn. Bhd., The False Prince marks a significant pivot for the Ipoh native. While his previous works like Day and Night and Acoustic Space established his foundation, this record finds him leaning into a more vulnerable, socially conscious space. The production is sleek yet intimate, often allowing Boey’s signature falsetto to float over arrangements that range from minimalist piano to synth-driven tension.
In the standout track “Disease,” Boey likens toxic obsession to a medical emergency, singing, “None of the pills that we take will resolve it / But I don’t want to heal from this disease.” It’s a hauntingly honest take on fatal attraction that lingers long after the track ends. He carries this intensity into “Sinners,” where he embraces a “live for the moment” philosophy: “Sinners don’t look back / They live on the edge / I guess we’re both sinners now.”
Beyond the personal, Boey isn’t afraid to point his lens at the world. “When Will It End?” serves as a sobering reflection on societal cruelty, particularly in its raw piano version. He contrasts this heaviness with the anthemic “We’ve Got It All,” a track that encourages resilience against the “haters and naysayers.” The lyrics serve as a universal mantra: “What’s the point in living life if you never fall / Don’t you feel small / We’ve got it all.”
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Joined by frequent collaborator Jemerine Chan; with whom he recently gained traction on BBC Introducing in Kent; Boey proves that his move to the UK has only sharpened his perspective. The False Prince is a key milestone in his journey, offering a relatability that bridges the gap between Ipoh and the world. If you’re looking for a project that balances the “butterflies” of new love with the weight of modern reality, this is the one to keep on loop.
