Written by Alex Kehn
dad sports is a relatively new band that prides themselves on their early 2000s indie-pop sound. After releasing singles periodically since 2018, dad sports has finally released their debut 6-track EP, I AM JUST A BOY LEAVE ME ALONE!!!
Being a fan of early indie acts, such as The Format, Wilco, and Jukebox The Ghost, I was looking forward to the release of I AM JUST A BOY LEAVE ME ALONE!!! Unfortunately, dad sports' debut EP doesn't quite live up to what I was expecting.
REVIEW:
dad sports' debut EP lacks any uniqueness and feels very formulaic throughout its fortunately short runtime. Vocally, each track feels almost identical to every other song on the EP, which wouldn't be an issue if the group's vocalist expressed emotion in his voice, as opposed to being emotionless and dull for the vast majority of the dad sports' debut tape.
The hits on I AM JUST A BOY LEAVE ME ALONE!!!, gf haircut, nrvs again, and out 4 a breather attempt to impose a deep lyrical impression on the listener, although they do a very poor job. Each track, including the singles from the EP, sounds as if dad sports is attempting to encapsulate the typical emotional punch that older alternative acts specialized in. While an attempt is made towards creating emotion-driven tracks, dad sports do it quite poorly and as a result, it almost feels as if they are saying nothing at all for much of the EP.
Instrumentally, I AM JUST A BOY LEAVE ME ALONE!!! genuinely succeeds in presenting a solid alternative sound. The guitar riffs alongside the impeccable drum beats create an atmosphere that is very indicative of the classic early 2000s alternative sound. The guitar and drums play off of each other, progressively building the track and developing a very solid sound throughout dad sports' debut tape. Unfortunately, the instruments and vocals are mixed terribly. The vocals are mixed so low when compared to the instruments that they are inaudible at some points. The entire tape is mixed in a way where the listener essentially has to listen through the EP numerous times in order to hear the vocals and instruments because it is nearly impossible to experience both after just one listen.
Verdict:
dad sports' I AM JUST A BOY LEAVE ME ALONE!!! leaves much to be desired, from the uninspired vocals to the nearly unlistenable mixing. This EP's saving grace is a truly great instrumental performance from the group. Overall I would rate this EP 3/10.
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