Oh dear, Boy Genius has such welcoming songs. Anchorage sounds like you’re listening to a long-lost mixtape you made while listening to ’80s college rock radio. ::swoon::

Case in point: “Failing Gravity” could have appeared on a Feelies album (were it not for the horns, but said horns are certainly lovely). “Talk About Love” sounds like a Pixies track that never made it to record (and maybe a few that did). “Tied in Two” sounds like a lost Pavement track. And while obviously not reminiscent of college rock, “Great Lakes” could have appeared on The National’s Alligator and not be out of place. Okay, maybe The National IS a little reminiscent of said genre anyway. Okay, definitely.

Obviously, Boy Genius is a malleable bunch, but what do they sound like? In truth, it’s pretty simple: like your favorite ’80s college rock bands, and again, a bit like The National. You’ve got lovely, nostalgic songs, with horns and boy-girl harmonies making such nostalgia even sweeter. A little cumbersome though is the singer, who seems to be trying a bit too hard, enunciating every syncopated rhythym ad nauseum. So while I don’t hear a ton of originality in these guys, the band is still lovely to listen to, and the nostalgia factor certainly tugs on the ol’ heartstrings.

Go grab an album from Boy Genius themselves. Hurrah!