Flin Flon serves up more new wave pop on their second full-length,
Boo-Boo, which was completely re-recorded and remixed for the vinyl version. Using a minimalist approach, the band combines strong basslines as the backbone of each song, with tight, staccato drum-machine beats and guitar accents. The result is a very retro '80s sound with catchy riffs, quirky rhythms, and random, almost nonsensical lyrics. For example, in "Upper Ferry" the number "34" is repeated as a chorus, and "Virgin Arm" features computerized voices. While most of the album is whimsically upbeat, it also has its darker, moodier moments, such as "Mistaken Point" and "St. Patricks," an eight-minute dirge reminiscent of
Joy Division. Although fans of '80s new wave pop will most likely enjoy the album, the sound is a little too retro and comes off sounding a bit dated and mechanical. ~ Tracy Frey