Neo Boys - Neo Boys LP

Neo Boys are a band whose recordings really capture the essence of a certain mode of creative production I cherish! Oh how the vulnerable, exuberant, inexplicable human spirit is captured via these (wot u call it: garage? DIY? punk?) amateur rock band recordings. This potent record, lovingly put together by Mississippi Records, collects Portland’s first all girl punk group’s couple of EPs, one of which was recorded by The Wipers’ Greg Sage. With it comes a hefty booklet that makes their legacy all the more endearing.

The usual sales pitch is that they’re Oregon’s answer to Rough Trade groups like The Raincoats, Slits and Kleenex, but there’s no reggae or funk here. You could see them as a precursor to K Records, but despite the lack of any distortion, it’s too tough to be twee. I reckon there’s pulsing, rockin’ minimalist quality with nervous pop hooks I’d associate with The Urinals, The Embarrassment, Jan Terri and Matrimony. If you’ve read this far, you’ll probably love it. I know I do! – Nic