Tuesday's Recommended Release

BOAT are not your typical indie rock band. They don't follow any of the current hot trends, there's no hint of lo-fi in there, and they don't seem to crazed about not being one of the current flavors of the moment. Instead they channel some of the older cannons of indie rock, bands like They Might Be Giants, The Shins, and more in tackling a version of indie pop that's been ignored for the last few years. Yeah, it's quirky, catchy, and downright fun apparently we all forgot what it was like for that type of music to be an acceptable alternative to all the hip stuff we're being spoon fed from websites like this one!

For the past few years BOAT has flown mostly under the radar, despite moderate critical praise for their two previous full lengths and the EP's and singles they've released since joining forces in 2004. I don't know how they've managed to do so with songs this catchy but they've done it anyway. Based on the hooks and sing-a-long choruses on Setting the Paces I doubt they are gonna stay under the radar for much longer.

With 14-songs set in only 40-minutes, BOAT get right to the point of things cranking out two minute long songs that will stay with you long after the record stops playing. The music is built on harmonies and steady riffs, and the catchy, fun lyrics they tend to prefer. It can sound a lot like children's nursery rhymes at times, but it also works wonders with their lift and addictive sound.

Setting the Paces probably won't be considered the record of the year by many, but it does remind you that music can be a fun and entertaining part of our lives instead of just some sort of status symbol showing off how cool we can be. The band will force you to clap your hands and stomp along to their music and it's about time that someone reminded us how to do that with their music!
BOAT - "We've Been Friends Since 1989"
BOAT - "Lately"
BOAT - "Prince of Tacom"