Boyskout
"School of Etiquette" CD
Alive
Records
Genres: indie rock, punk-pop, rock
Alive Records
PO Box 7112
Burbank CA 91510
May 10 - 16 2004 |
I suppose Boyskout's School of Etiquette is far from
groundbreaking, but it's just so incredibly enjoyable that its deficit
in originality doesn't seem to matter. Over the duration of
twelve short tunes, the band rips through a whole plethora of pop
hooks and exciting, energetic rhythms - by the end, you're entirely
satisfied [and reaching for the play button again.] Boyskout could
be one of the best all-girl bands to come around in a long while, and School
of Etiquette is pure proof.
The allure of this disc is its accessibility - these tunes can be
enjoyed by anyone; not only is Boyskout's rock attitude very infectious,
but their melodic sense is amazing. Though this disc does have
its less enjoyable moments (the ineffectual "Imaginary," the
boring "Sunday Morning"), there is more than enough here to make
up for it. "Secrets" could be School of Etiquette's
best moment - its joyful, pop-based chorus is made exhilarating by way
of some truly excellent energy on the part of the band. The tune
just basks in its own excitement. "Vitamin C"
is a bit different; it's got a lot of tension in its explosive, dark
structure - the melodies aren't as obvious, though it's still an
incredibly listenable tune.
As the album progresses, the band loses a bit of its energy, though
the melodies are still abundant. "Circus Song" and
"Eye Make Up" have plodding, gradual rhythms, and are more
removed from Boyskout's punk-influenced material. However,
their dark depravity is made accessible by way of some serious pop
hooks - melody never fails.
School of Etiquette is a very enjoyable rock record with
quite a few real gems. Though "Secrets" is worth the
price of admission alone, look at how much else you get! Don't miss out.
86%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 12 tracks, distributed by Bomp, released
2004] |