Dear Boy might hail from Los Angeles, but their alternative rock has roots in both post-punk and ’90s Britpop. These anglophilic stylings were likely inspired by time spent living in the UK by vocalist/guitarist Ben Grey and drummer Keith Cooper, who returned stateside to record.
“This song is about following the moment,” says Grey. “It takes courage to surrender completely to something or someone…especially if it’s against your better judgment.”
The song’s chorus—“I want you to know this: You were my semester”—sounds like it’s describing one of those college breakups that leaves you both devastated, but also grateful for all the quality time spent hangin’ out between classes and parties.
“Most of us have whole periods of our lives that are defined by one person… And when that person leaves, returning to your normal life feels strange,” Grey adds. “Almost as if the world moved on behind your back.”
Dear Boy (the band also includes guitarist Austin Hayman and bassist Lucy Lawrence) have made something simultaneously appropriate for singing along to in your car and screaming at a live show. The EP features appearances by Dear Boy’s friends Day Wave, Hazel English, and Patrick Spurgeon of Rogue Wave, and it’s produced by Dear Boy and mixed by Tony Hoffer (AIR, Phoenix, Beck, M83).
The Strawberry EP is due for release on March 1 via the band’s own label Easy Hell and Burnside/The Orchard. Pre-order it here.
