boygenius
The Record

Art, as we know, is a grand thing, and therefore so is music. However, it is good for the artist who creates their work to be up to the task they are called to, which is to leave a strong, very strong impression on the heart and memory of those who come into contact with the creation. What this sensation might be, I needn’t tell you, because everyone has their own way of approaching an artistic work.

It takes talent, a lot of talent, not to disappoint certain expectations, certain hopes. And talent, alas, is probably one of the most unequally distributed things that exist, and therefore not everyone - unfortunately - can aspire to offer the World a considerable part of their own person (such is a work of art).

Now, imagine if an album, instead of being written and performed by a single artistic talent, was the work of three exceptional artists, who, through an almost perfect synergy, manage to bring to life a creation that is always elegant, always refined, and of remarkable artistic symbiosis. Well, such is the record, the debut LP from Boygenius, an all-American indie-rock/indie-folk trio that had already released the highly successful eponymous EP in 2018. We are talking about three artists with enormous talent and infinite creativity, with already well-established and dedicated careers despite all three being still young (the oldest being 29 years). These three artists are pioneers of their musical genre, namely indie; an indie that, however, takes on different colors and facets when dealing with Phoebe Bridgers (undisputed queen of the genre), Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker, the three extraordinary musicians of this “supergroup.”

And so, as if by magic, at the gates of April in 2023, this album is released, so dense with remarkable material and extraordinarily loaded with emotional intensity. The overall sensation that runs through the album is that of reflective melancholy, leading to introspection and, indeed, reflection. The guitars, whether electric or acoustic, build an atmosphere filled with delicacy and gentleness, making this a perfect record to listen to at night, isolated from everything and everyone. What stands out, however, is especially the solidity of the songs, as each of them presents extremely convincing ideas combined with top-notch songwriting. To crown it all, finally, we have the lyrics, typically indie, and therefore addressing very personal themes, be they of love (as in the splendid and touching "Emily I'm Sorry"), personal growth (see "True Blue," a magnificent piece), or personal uncertainties (for example in "Satanist," where Julien Baker wonders if her bandmates will stay by her side even if, from one day to the next, she were to become a Satanist).

Here, then, is the perfect picture for an album that fascinates with every song and offers moments destined to remain in the soul of the listener. Take, for example, "Not Strong Enough," an extraordinary piece inaugurated by a simple acoustic guitar strumming, and enriched by the splendid voice of that musical genius Phoebe Bridgers, also featuring a memorable and delightful chorus; but in the verses, all three musicians alternate, each endowed with a unique and perfectly recognizable voice, even when the three harmonize, creating a frankly sublime effect.

The perfection of the compositions is continually astonishing, always effective and focused, and I think of pieces like "Cool About It," where a minimalist arrangement and chilling harmonizations are more than enough to make the song a masterpiece. But perhaps (and I emphasize maybe), the most memorable track of all is "We’re In Love," a delicate and soft poem dedicated to the friendship of the three, mostly sung by Dacus, who offers a superb and memorable performance.

Finally, there are also more rock, more energetic moments, which fit perfectly into the album’s economy, providing the album with greater dynamism and variety. The tracks in question are the well-chosen "$20" and the marvelous "Anti-Curse," both masterfully led primarily by the more rock soul of the trio, namely Julien Baker.

Such an album is destined to remain inside those who listen to it, and it's impossible, from time to time, not to return for another listen, as if to express one's gratitude for its realization and publication. Because albums like this can remind you why, every day, you want to listen to music and lose yourself in the notes and emotions of those who are always able to write such great music. Keep this the record close because assets of this kind are much more precious than we imagine.