boygenius : "the Record"

 

Well Taylor Swift said these girls are her favorite new band, so I figured I would check them out. It also helps that at the center of this trio Phoebe Bridgers, who I am already a fan of. The first single I heard, was more dream pop than how this album kicks off. It is a little more indie rock on "$20". There is a hazy ambiance to what they do. "Emily I'm Sorry" feels almost like a Bridgers solo track. Lucy Dacus takes over on the smooth sailing of "True Blue". It hovers with a relaxed submersing it. "Cool About it" is not a Paul Simon cover, but it is so inspired by him it might as be well one. The harmonies are pretty airtight. 

"Not Strong Enough" finds Bridgers rightfully moving to the forefront of the sound. This album is driven by stellar songwriting that leaves enough for all three women, and the project itself is supposed to show how they can work together without competing. Their sounds all blend in a very organic fashion and leave room, for everyone involved, Bridgers is just the most compelling presence, so she shines through. "Revolution 0" is pretty much just a Phoebe song. The other two come across more like backup singers. It seems to be about kicking heroin. Using headphones there is a wider depth to the layers of harmonies. 

Dacus seems to be the second most powerful writer in this trio. "Leonard Cohen" is more of a folk song. It is not as urgent of a song. "Satanist" is most rocking song, so far but far from having a hard rock edge of any kind. It builds it's groove as it progresses. One odd thing about the album is that for the project to be focused on women creating without having to explain themselves, how heavily influence it is by male singers. "We're in Love" is clearly compelled by Jeff Buckley. Earlier in the album they made no bones about Paul Simon, and Leonard Cohen. I also hear touches of Elliot Smith sprinkled throughout. The Julien Baker penned "Anti-Curse" is more of a rocker, and by rocker I mean the desperation of 90s alternative music. 

"Letter to an Old Poet" is softer more reflective ballad that might be about her relationship with Ryan Adams. There is something lyrical cutting about the tone . I will give this album a 9.5, for what they do it is going to be a hard one to beat, despite the fact the mood and focus of some of the more introspective moments hits the brakes a little hard at times, I will see how it grows on me with time.