Often lost in the rush to write fierce lyrics and important music is the key principle that guitar bands (should) just wanna have fun. Named for its energetic frontwoman and chief songwriter, Amsterdam quartet Pip Blom have—after a string of increasingly interesting lo-fi singles and EPs—released a debut full length that checks all the right indie rock boxes: buzzy guitars; overactive cymbals; vocal harmonies more enthusiastic than in tune. Steeped in 90’s guitar band moves and flavors, Boat is a fresh appeal for everyone, band and listener alike, to get happy.
Recorded in the UK and produced by Dave McCracken (Florence + the Machine, Depeche Mode), Boat is all pop ebullience, melody and light. Opening with the bouncy, anthemic "Daddy Issues," the band then reaches back even further in indie rock history with "Don’t Make it Difficult," a tune whose insistent guitar figure is distinctly reminiscent of Television. The sweet, approachable "Say It," is this foursome at its best. With a mix that echoes a spare Strokesian approach in the opening, the band sparkles thanks to Blom’s steady, expressive voice, an irresistible chorus hook and those ever-tingling cymbals. "Tinfoil" heaps on the Weezer-esque guitar heft before another simple but effective single “Ruby” explodes into its choruses of “Don’t know what I’m doing all the time, all the time.” So far, however, Pip Blom obviously does. © Robert Baird / Qobuz