If you wanna keep your boy on a leash,
the strategy is catch and release.
Unapologetically subversive—and gleefully tongue-in-cheek—LA duo Patriarchy return with their new single, “Boy on a Leash.” Known for their razor-sharp wit and flair for theatrical irony, the band revels in the delicious contradiction of a group called Patriarchy releasing a song about male submission. Here, the leash isn’t just a symbol—it’s a smirk, a shrug, a sly subversion of control that flips expectations on their head. Taut and teasing, the title plays with power in both name and nature, straddling the line between dominance and decadence, and style and submission, like Martin Gore dressed up for a Berlin nightclub circa 1984. Produced by acclaimed musician Twin Shadow, the track heralds the release of their highly anticipated third album, Manual for Dying, set for release in September 2025.
When Patriarchy initially discussed their new album with George Lewis Jr. (Twin Shadow), he suggested collaborating on a track. Among the demos presented to him was an early analog version of “Boy on a Leash.” Instantly impressed, Lewis selected the song, initiating what became a fruitful partnership.
“We were kinda curious how it would turn out since we’re somewhat on different ends of the sonic spectrum,” the band shares. “But after the first session, we fell in love and realized he gets all our references and speaks the same studio language, which is so rare to find.”
Both Twin Shadow and Patriarchy aimed to capture the notoriously intense energy of the band’s live performances. Having already refined “Boy on a Leash” through nearly 100 shows, Twin Shadow suggested incorporating live drum tracks from an unreleased performance, recorded during the same session as their recent Suffer With Me (Live in London). This decision infused the studio version with the raw fervor of their stage presence, making the track feel vividly alive.
The song itself is sparse, minimalist, and darkly electro, driven by sizzling hi-hats and buzzing bass synths that tighten like the titular leash. Patriarchy channels flirtation into fixation, playing power games through playful rhyme and biting command. “If you wanna keep your boy on a leash, the strategy is catch and release,” Actually intones, her voice both invitation and warning. The track slips between seduction and satire, teaching technique like a dominatrix with a doctorate: “You’re not going anywhere, until the rats come chew through the rope.” It’s sleek, sly, and sharply self-aware—with a wicked grin and a chokehold grip.
The video for “Boy on a Leash” is directed by Patriarchy themselves and offers a stark visual companion to the song’s minimalist, provocative soundscape. Featuring a white studio backdrop, the visuals showcase Actually Huizenga and The Drummer contorting in chains and leashes. “You can see we both have fresh red marks on our knees and necks from all the takes,” the duo notes, emphasizing the raw authenticity of the performances. Adding a personal touch, the video includes a cameo from the duo’s son, affectionately referred to by fans as Babyarchy.
Watch the video for “Boy On A Leash” below:
Patriarchy is an industrial electronic band based in Los Angeles, led by multidisciplinary artist Actually Huizenga. The band is known for its provocative fusion of music, performance art, and striking visuals, exploring themes of power, identity, and desire. Huizenga serves as the band’s vocalist, primary songwriter, guitarist, video director, and illustrator, shaping its distinct vision.
Since their debut album, Asking For It (2019), produced by Andrew Means of 3Teeth, Patriarchy has continued to collaborate with notable figures, including Matia Simovich of Inhalt and John Fryer, known for his work with Nine Inch Nails and This Mortal Coil, on their sophomore album, The Unself (2022). The band’s energetic live performances have drawn comparisons to Nine Inch Nails, Rammstein, The Prodigy, and Skinny Puppy, establishing their reputation as an act that should be experienced visually and audibly.
Boy On A Leash, out now, launches Patriachy’s series of summer singles. Order the track here.
Patriarchy is embarking on an extensive European tour beginning May 21st. Full tour dates are listed below:
Patriarchy European Tour Dates:
- 21/05/25 – Stockholm, SE – Hus 7
- 22/05/25 – Dublin, IE – The Grand Social
- 23/05/25 – London, UK – Wide Awake Festival
- 24/05/25 – Prague, CZ – Bike Jesus
- 27/05/25 – Vienna, AT – Arena
- 29/05/25 – Freiburg, DE – Slow Club
- 30/05/25 – Aarau, CH – KiFF
- 31/05/25 – Messina, IT – Retronouveau
- 04/06/25 – Bordeaux, FR – IBOAT
- 05/06/25 – Paris, FR – Point Ephémère
- 06/06/25 – Utrecht, NL – dB´s
- 07/06/25 – Karlsruhe, DE – P8
- 08/06/25 – Leipzig, DE – Wave Gotik Treffen
- 06/08/25 – Berlin, DE – RSO
- 07/08/25 – Josefov Fortress, CZ – Brutal Assault Fest
- 08/08/25 – Munich, DE – Backstage
- 09/08/25 – Ancora, PT – Sonic Blast Fest
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