Dear Darkly is the third album from Brisbane indie kids The Boat People. The album showcases the evolving talent of this four piece and is set to win them a legion of new fans, as well as reminding their existing ones that no-one pulls off indie-pop/electro-rock quite as well as these boys do.
The first track "Under The Ocean" is perfectly placed as the album opener, and definitely gives listeners an idea of the treats they are in for. This is followed by "Soporific", which is again another entirely accessible track for any listener. "Echo Stick Guitars" is the next track and the single for which The Boat People have just recorded a film clip. This track is a bit more electro and fun and has proved to be massively successful in their live shows.
"Antidote" is a cute little indie love song and definitely a highlight of the album, showing a refined edge to The Boat People’s sound (think of a Kisschasy love song). This is followed by the more melancholy "Live in the Dark" which contrasts with "Antidote" by introducing a more melancholy, introspective layer to the album.
This melancholy mood is quickly lifted by the incredibly catchy "Too Much In My Mind", a fun, quirky track that leads into "Damn Defensive" which is a return to the typical Boat People sound. This is quickly put to an end with "Hidden Busses", which could potentially be the most underrated track on the album. A simple, lo-fi track with bare, earnest lyrics (think Pinky Beecroft or a stripped-back Eels) and lyrics which make you want to reach out and give someone a hug. But The Boat People don’t want to get you down and push on with the appropriately titled "Dance To My Pain", which mixes slightly bitter lyrics with an awesome dance beat.
"Cat's Collar" reminds us that "there is no excuse for sleeping with your friend" in a track which is as melancholy as it is upbeat, and is bound to be a popular song in their live set. "Pornography" again sees The Boat People create a beautiful indie ballad. The album closes with "You Are Adored" and at six minutes there is a whole lot of admiration to be had. This track again shows the quirky, indie Boat People sound this album has cultivated. The six minutes of this track may be a little excessive and a lot of them don’t seem to add much to the song. But like the rest of the album, it is still an entirely satisfying track.
The Boat People have been around the tracks once or twice and their experience is showing. This album helps to cultivate the signature sound of these Brisbane boys. Right from the get go, Dear Darkly puts The Boat People's talents on full display: thoughtful lyrics, catchy beats and a sound entirely their own.
Review Score: 9/10