Boy King is a concept album dealing with the self-destructive effects of modern-day masculinity. The album has more of a heavier sound, featuring distorted synths, compressed drum machine-like beats and guitar solos, marking a big departure from the band's soft yet dramatic art pop sound, which was featured on their past four albums. It was recorded in Dallas, Texas with producer John Congleton, who previously helmed albums by St. Vincent and Swans.

All tracks written by Wild Beasts.