'the record' by boygenius
For tenured listeners hanging on the phonograph during the long boygenius winter, the recently released first glimpse at the record is a gratifying reminder that good things come to those who wait. On January 18th, the band boygenius dropped three singles for their upcoming album, the record , a project they will debut on March 31st. Boygenius is the musical collaboration of singer-songwriters Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers, and Julien Baker, each of whom has established themself as a gifted solo artist. For newcomers, the singles exemplify the band’s impassioned vocals and dynamic instrumentals, the cornerstones of their intoxicating sound. A boygenius song is a one-of-a-kind harmony of artistic talents. Long-time fans, however, will notice that each single resembles the musical style of a specific member. This detail highlights the unique talents of the artists while simultaneously emphasizing how their artistries blend and complement each other. The singles open with “$20,” a rousing anthem for the young and discontent that toes the line between youth’s romantic thirst for purpose and the reality they don’t want to trample over. Baker’s animated guitar riffs take center stage within the track’s upbeat tempo and distinct sonic layers. “Emily I’m Sorry” mimics Bridgers’ melancholic style, with dreamy synth vibratos and soft, echoing vocals that double down on the emotional weight of the song’s wistful lyrical themes of regret and lost love. The final single, “True Blue,” is a story of self-discovery that matches the gospel-like melodic passion that permeates Dacus’ discography. While the singles’ seamless stylistic cooperation demonstrates the members’ musical intelligence, boygenius’ defining greatness is the irreplicable product of the deep personal connections between Dacus, Baker, and Bridgers. As the fruit of their friendship, the record is on track to be a must-hear with the potential to make boygenius a household name. Image Credit: Sabrina Bailey and Sydney Lamson Sydney Worrell is a sophomore in the SFS studying Culture and Politics. She is the INDY's Managing Editor.