boygenius epitomizes starpower. An ephemeral collaboration of indie rock superstars Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, the supergroup is a lot of genius and no boys. Releasing just a six song eponymous EP in 2018—recorded all within the span of four days—boygenius and their brief discography are pure magic. Baker, Bridgers, and Dacus are each known for their candidness; their solo works are sublime largely because of their authenticity. Nothing is lost with boygenius: every track on the record, from the grieving “Salt in the Wound” to the gentle “Souvenir,” delicately invites the listener into an exploration of the band’s innermost contemplations. Dominated by themes of escapism, memory, and decay, boygenius draws strength from its brazen reveal of the emotional truth of relationships. Spacious harmonies and midtempo guitars—some electric, some acoustic—make for a spectacular backdrop for boygenius’ lyrical brilliance. On “Me and My Dog, Bridgers croons, “I wish I was on a spaceship / Just me and my dog and an impossible view.” I wish I was on a spaceship, too: just me, this record, and an impossible view. It’s that good.

Max Zhang

Photo Credit: Matador Records.