Description
Boygenius – The Rest – 10 Inch Gold Metallic Vinyl Record
The Rest is a four-track EP released on October 13, 2023, serving as a companion to their highly acclaimed album the record, which was released earlier that year. The indie supergroup, consisting of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, has built a reputation for crafting deeply emotional, harmony-rich songs that blend elements of indie rock, folk, and singer-songwriter introspection. While some companion EPs feel like afterthoughts or collections of discarded material, The Rest is a fully realized work that expands on the themes and sonic landscape of the record, offering fans an intimate and ethereal listening experience.
The EP consists of four tracks—”Black Hole,” “Afraid of Heights,” “Voyager,” and “Powers.” Each song carries its own weight emotionally and thematically, further cementing the trio’s ability to write music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. “Black Hole” opens the EP with a sense of cosmic dread, using space metaphors to explore themes of isolation and existential uncertainty. “Afraid of Heights” is a reflection on personal limitations and the fear of taking risks, a theme that resonates particularly well within the larger context of boygenius’ work, which often grapples with self-doubt and longing. “Voyager” stands out as one of the EP’s most poignant moments, using travel imagery to depict the painful yet necessary process of letting go. Closing the collection, “Powers” examines identity and transformation with a sense of quiet wonder, its sparse instrumentation allowing the trio’s harmonies to take center stage.
Musically, The Rest leans toward a more atmospheric and stripped-down sound compared to the record. The arrangements are delicate and spacious, giving the lyrics and harmonies room to breathe. There is a notable use of ambient textures, hushed acoustic guitars, and soft, layered vocals, creating an almost dreamlike quality throughout the EP. This restrained production style enhances the emotional impact of each song, drawing listeners into the intimate world that Baker, Bridgers, and Dacus create together.
Critics and fans alike received The Rest with overwhelming praise, appreciating it not just as an addendum to the record but as a meaningful work in its own right. Publications such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and NME highlighted the EP’s ability to capture raw emotion with poetic lyricism and stunning vocal arrangements. Many listeners found that the songs on The Rest deepened their appreciation for the record, offering a more subdued yet equally powerful perspective on the themes explored in the full-length album.
For those who connected with the record, The Rest is an essential listen, providing a final, reflective chapter to boygenius’ remarkable 2023 output. It is available on all major streaming platforms, as well as in physical formats, making it a must-have for dedicated fans of the band. Whether heard as a standalone work or as an extension of the record, The Rest proves once again why boygenius is one of the most compelling acts in contemporary indie music.
Indies Exclusive metallic gold vinyl and features a 16-page newspaper zine.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Black Hole
Afraid Of Heights
Voyager
Powers
