From their Nirvana-inspired photoshoot, to much anticipation from fans of the supergroup, boygenius' debut album the record is finally upon us and Olivia Hannant was lucky enough to hear it a few days early.
Fans poured into Rough Trade Nottingham to catch some of the supergroup’s new melodies, an ambiently lit upstairs set the scene perfectly for a first listen to this stellar offering from the trio. Following the release of their self-titled EP released in 2018, this debut is the product of a blossoming friendship between Dacus, Bridgers and Baker, a declaration of true friendship in all its tender semblance, underlining the presence and importance of off-stage friendship, one that is genuine and unadulterated.
The demo-like harmonious American folk opener Without You Without Them sets up a selection of affirming yet crushing poetry that binds the group's identity and finds the perfect blend of their silky vocals. Throughout this album, the narratives remain introspective, enigmatic, and intimately connected to the artists' personal experiences. The lyrics explore themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the complex range of emotions that come with both romantic and platonic relationships.
With the three lead singles possessing characteristics of each artist's personal style; $20 echoing Julien’s raw and driven guitars, self-destruction is evident in the lyrics of this track, which reference motorcycles, empty wallets, and a sleepless drive from Reno. The track's lyrics and instrumentation are both evocative and haunting, leaving a lasting impression on the listener. Followed by Emily I’m Sorry, a track that is submerged in Pheobe’s personal style sounding like a distorted variation of Chinese Satellite - only Bridger’s could deliver the line ‘you called me a fucking liar’ with such conflicting warmth and cynical sincerity echoing the feeling of loathing towards a lover. True Blue is driven by Lucy’s lyricism of loyalty and love in its purest form, one in which a lover knows you better than yourself. Each of the trio’s distinctive styles combines to really evoke unique yet resounding emotion.
"Throughout this album, the narratives remain introspective, enigmatic, and intimately connected to the artists' personal experiences."
In the record, boygenius takes listeners on a poignant journey of friendship, vulnerability, and self-discovery through a mix of acoustic and self- assertive songs. Leonard Cohen captures the intimate moments and in-jokes that define their friendship, while Satanist pushes the boundaries of unconditional love and begs the question of whether nihilism or satanism could break that bond.
Not Strong Enough stands out as a true masterpiece, starting as a typical indie love song before culminating in a powerful and emotional confession that showcases the group's masterful layering of vocals and instrumentation.
Undoubtedly, there will be tracks on the record that will immediately resonate with listeners, while others may require a bit more time and patience to appreciate fully. The sense of camaraderie is reflected in the album's cover art, featuring three hands raised in unison with matching wrist tattoos. This shared bond is also evident in their music, as exemplified in We're In Love, a track where the trio sings a love song to one another, acknowledging that their connection is strong enough to break their hearts: ‘You could absolutely break my heart, That's how I know that we're in love.’ Yet it is clear all three wanted to impress each other and this collaboration and craft drives this album as its own singular entity.
The track that resonates with me the most from the boygenius EP is Me & My Dog. It's a poignant song where Phoebe Bridgers sings about her relationship with a personal hero and her struggles with self-worth. The lyrics express her desire to be free from the emotional weight of the relationship, wishing for isolation on a spaceship with just her dog and a beautiful view. Years later, the album concludes with Letter To An Old Poet, which may or may not be about the same person, but it explicitly references Me & My Dog in its closing lines. The song conveys a newfound sense of hope, with Bridgers singing about her readiness to let go and find happiness on her own. The reference to her dog and the full moon serves as a comforting reminder of simpler, happier times.
Despite the diversity of each track, the album flows seamlessly, reflecting the group's ability to complement each other and shine both individually and as a unit. Their collaborative effort and dedication to artistic exploration are evident throughout the record, making it a beautiful debut that allows the trio to be fully seen and in turn heard.
Edited by: Ali Glen
Images courtesy of boygenius' Instagram, videos courtesy of boygenius on YouTube
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