By Lauren Englet –
Comprised of songstresses Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus, the 2018-founded Boygenius is ready to bring indie rock to Spring 2023. While the group’s official album release is slated for March 31st, fans have witnessed a sort of metaphorical song advent calendar, with three songs released in January and a fourth released as recently as March 1st. What better way to gear up for the entire album’s unveiling than to review the four songs that have dominated my On Repeat on Spotify?
“Not Strong Enough:” With lyrical nods to The Cure and a perfect blend of 80’s synth beats and folksy harmonies, “Not Strong Enough” navigates the juxtaposition between private self-loathing and the public presentation of a God complex. The song is accompanied by a light-hearted, self-shot music video of the group spending a day together in Southern California, mirroring the lone, cheerful strumming of an electric guitar, lilted piano chords, and enthusiastic drumbeats. The song strays from the group’s traditionally sorrowful, edgy sound. It is the perfect wind-in-your-hair spring anthem, especially for those with a love of vintage flair that includes present-day authenticity and insightful lyricism.
“$20:” This song is made for primal release, screaming to scream, hoping you will find silent reprieve in your fury. The growl of an electric guitar and its antithesis, the sugarcoated voice of Baker, paints a clear picture of self-sabotage. Several important lyrical features include mentioning a sleepless drive from Reno and wallets void of cash. While the song begins in a cohesive, calm harmony, hysteria ensues. Like vocal kerosene on an open flame, an infuriated Bridgers screams at the top of her lungs, "CAN YOU GIVE ME 20 DOLLARS!!" The other singers and explosive drumbeats mirror this unabashed anger until they both extinguish themselves into a cease of sound in the song's final moments.
“Emily I’m Sorry:” Led by the breathy voice of Bridgers, "Emily I'm Sorry" is entrenched in sorrowful lyrics and simplistic background elements. With hauntingly beautiful harmonies and a stillness brought on by a singular guitar and subtle drumbeat, the song explores the panic Bridgers feels over a relationship gone by being the only one for her. While Bridgers compares said relationship to the screech of tires and flames engulfing a vehicle in a car crash, she is paralyzed in her attempts to move forward. 1:45 to 1:53 feel like descending into free fall, as instrumental elements merge together in an off-kilted manner, just to be resuscitated by Bridgers's comforting voice and her bandmates' harmonies. This song is my favorite off the upcoming album, steeped in longing and missing versions of ourselves that now only exist in the past tense.
“True Blue”: A sharp contrast to the dejection and frustration seen in the lyrics of the upcoming album’s other songs, “True Blue” paints the picture of a loyal, safe love where one can be made better by the other person and vice versa. The lyrics are neither assigned to romantic nor platonic love, making it a lyrical love letter to both friends and romantic partners. The steady electric guitar and drumbeat go hand-in-hand with the lyrics depicting an immovable, comforting relationship. I love Dacus’ ability to encapsulate what it feels like to love and be loved while giving the lyrics the freedom to apply to the relationships we encounter in all spheres of our lives.
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