steering clear of the mainstream
since 2001

june 2010

review
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info opinion

Boyracer

"Insults and Insights" CDEP

Kittridge Records

Genres: indie pop, lo-fi

Kittridge Records
P.O.Box 662011
Los Angeles, CA 90066 USA

Nov 15 - 21 2005

Indie pop stalwarts Boyracer have been crafting their own brand of intensely catchy pop for quite some time now and the Insults & Insights EP is the latest chapter in their long and complicated discography. Here the band treats us to eight short lo-fi tunes injected with countless hooks and plenty of youthful playing. Things start off strong with anthem "Louise," which starts off acoustic before dropping into more traditional electric guitar power pop. Playful "The Sadness In You" continues the fun in a somewhat spasmodic but melodic style, but "Fast Boyfriends" is weak in terms of melody and repeated listening. "The Second Fiddle" and its warm, cute sound pick things up considerably before a few bland filler songs. At least the intense finale, "Tell Me What You Want (Then Tell Me What You Need)" finishes the record off with a bang. Overall, this is a bit of an unspectacular outing for Boyracer; though perfectly serviceable and pleasant for fans of the band - or lovers of quality indie pop in general - I kind of wanted more.

78%

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 8 tracks, distributed by the label, released 2005]