Album Reviews

- by Tom Dumarey

When you are two songs deep in Dear Boy’s new EP, ‘The Strawberry,’ you might find yourself wondering how come more people aren’t talking about this LA-based band. Both ‘Semester’ and ‘Limelight’ come equipped with the dreamiest of melodies, the breeziest of vocals and the biggest of hooks. Don’t know how they do it, but Dear Boy manage to sound huge, dreamy and intimate at the same time. It would be almost uncanny if it didn’t sound so damn sweet.

Next up we get the acoustic ‘Something Good,’ which honestly feels a bit like a letdown. Especially coming off two excellent cuts. It’s okay enough I guess, but it just kinda floats by without leaving much of an impression. Nope, then I prefer the upbeat ‘Anything At All,’ which packs a solid Nada Surf vibe. Never a bad thing. And rounding out this 5-song EP is ‘Love Interest,’ more post-punky meets indie pop.

I’m not entirely sure if Dear Boy could keep me interested throughout an entire full-length without a little more variation, but EP-wise there is plenty of good stuff to be said about Dear Boy, the sweetest band you haven’t heard of just yet.