Boat (White Vinyl)

The Dutch quartet blends perky, grunge-lite melodies with a measured dose of pop-fuzz aggression. Pip Blom, the 23-year-old frontwoman from Amsterdam, integrates lapses in concentration into crafting their distinct sound within the band that bears her name. “I’ll watch a documentary while playing guitar,” she explained recently. “When something on my guitar stands out more than the documentary, that’s what I use.” Immersed in stories about interesting people or mental illness—her preferred documentary topics—hypnotic melodies or peculiar chord progressions often take precedence, forming the core elements of their music: moody riffs, steady post-punk percussion, and infectious hooks.

Their debut album “Boat” showcases songs that are catchy and accessible, overshadowing introspective lyrics. Blom’s vocals are complemented by just the right amount of pop-fuzz aggression. The album, though enjoyable, at times feels constrained by production choices that blend vocals and instrumentation rather than creating distinct spaces. Tracks like “Bedhead” exemplify this balance well, with lethargic strums and tempered drums enveloping Blom’s vocals, evoking a sense of emotional depth and intimacy in the lyrics.

Throughout “Boat,” themes of distraction, isolation, and overcoming apathy weave through tracks like “Daddy Issues” and “Sorry,” offering moments of both urgency and introspection. In “Ruby,” Blom explores the aftermath of recovery, navigating newfound emotions with a sense of uncertainty and occasional darkness. The band’s focus on melody over lyrical clarity underscores their struggle to fully captivate, yet tracks vary from the compelling to the merely pleasant. Overall, Pip Blom’s music provides a comforting space for listeners to immerse themselves, embracing the simple pleasure of engaging melodies amidst life’s distractions.