In only five songs, Dave Jenkins Jr. - or NOT A BOYS NAME as we know him - has been able to cohesively put together an EP that tells the story of his life in a way that is incredibly exciting to listen to. Every single sound on the record fits perfectly together and presents something completely unique to anything made by a DIY artist previously. That is what makes NOT A BOYS NAME so intriguing; he has come up with an abundance of sounds and thrown them in each song with the hope that they'll work, and somehow they do!

 

The EP starts with Show Me A Way Or Throw Me Away, which basically sums up who NOT A BOYS NAME is in under a minute. He immediately decides to throw listeners in the deep end with an array of quirky synth sounds as well as creative vocal effects. Keeping with the overlapping vocal effects and groovy sounds effects and melodies, the EP continues with all lyrically awesome and catchy songs, all of which encompass smart lyrics you never would've thought of but just make sense. "I'm like a 33 compilation LP/one size is jazz and one side's a symphony," he sings on Two Sides.

 

Then comes the title track with possibly the coolest intro to any song I've heard, dial-up connection and melodic riffs in tow. This is followed by Dave's soothing storytelling vocals and creatively clever lyrics as well as the catchiest chorus of the whole EP which will be stuck in your head for days.

 

Something a little different is introduced with Little Vampire as it gives off a slight indie-surf-rock vibe which although different, works well! The incredible amount of guitar overdubs (thirty-five!) fit perfectly with the rhythmic and vocal progressions of the song, and it, much like the final song of the EP Sleep Paralysis is incredibly catchy.

 

One of my favourite elements of the EP is the second verse of the final track - which returns in the bridge later on - in which Dave harmonises his vocals with two reverbed vocal tracks; one super low and the other quite high. It's entrancing, musically clever and much like the rest of the EP, incredibly creative.

 

Coming in at only thirteen and a half minutes long, I suggest you listen to the EP with headphones on while making breakfast in the morning, or on your way to work in the car. Warning: you will want more. And don't fear, as there is plenty more sounds from NOT A BOYS NAME coming your way soon. Stay posted, and in the meanwhile, dance around in your pyjamas to The Internet Sucks.

 

You can see the full track listing below and remember that The Internet Sucks is available on all major streaming services NOW!  

 

Track listing:

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1. Show Me A Way Or Throw Me Away

2. Two Sides

3. The Internet Sucks

4. Little Vampire

5. Sleep Paralysis

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