Boy Friend is the side (new?) project from two-thirds of SLEEP ∞ OVER, who released a 7" vinyl to mass acclaim last year. Partly thanks to the label it came out on, Gorilla vs Bear's own label Forest Family Records, though to say that was the only reason for it's success would be unfair and inaccurate because "La Rose" was a beautiful hazy gem with a ghostly vocal that was gorgeous enough to make you weak at the knees.
The debut Boy Friend release certainly stays faithful to that formula; haunted dreamy pop, exemplified on "D'Arrest" where soft textures overlie a sleepy, slow-burning (almost Beach House) sound, yet the enchanting harmonies, echoed vocals and hazy synths do carry a darker shade to that of the Balitmore duo.
The airy mood continues much the same throughout the rest of the tracks. Perhaps "Spirit Burner's" reverb-heavy organ and shimmering synths is my favourite of the four, though, "The False Cross" runs it very close; a more assessable track, mainly I think due to the fact you can make out more of the lyrics, the vocals are always enchanting but at times incomprehensible and certainly the track comes closest to a "proper" pop chorus.
I'm sure some people will be crying out for some proper production here, but for me the lo-fi basement feeling of the four tracks perfectly suits the bleak yet beautiful sound, one made for late-night isolated listening.
You can pre-order their first (limited) physical release via the ever-amazing Italian label HELL, YES!, the A-Side is a new track. You can also get their latest four releases for twenty euros including postage, considering one of those is by EMA, you'd be a fool not to do so!
Boy Friend - D'Arrest
Boy Friend - Spirit Burner
No comments:
Post a Comment