Boy Wonders - Character Study (2025)

Get ready for a sonic departure from Boy Wonders on their recent album Character Study. Gone is the almost slacker punk ennui colouring their last outing Happy Days Are Here Again. In its place is a band driving a harder melodic bargain. Opening cut “We Could Be Yours” bristles with a kind of poprock determination, riffing into a bit of discord near the end. “Little Black Shadow” rolls out with some classic rock riffs before turning on the vocal hooks. Clearly the band summon a greater variety of styles on this outing. “Loss Adjustment” rides some wild electric guitar arpeggios worthy of early REM. “Polygraph” and “Enfant Terrible” are something else again, vibing a distinctly 1980s English-sounding mood. “Sister Suzie” is just straight up power pop while “Dreaming in B/W” gives off a sad pop feel. Accent on wonder with this new Boy Wonders LP. This is a band that has really upped their creative and performative game.