Best Coast – Where the Boys Are EP (2009) [Blackest Rainbow] // Grade: A-

Bethany Consentino is better known as one half of the psych/drone/noise outfit Pocahaunted. A challenging and prolific band who drop new releases (some great, some not) at a clip that seems like they’re intent on either wearing out that pretty awesome band name, or simply making sure Thurston Moore always has reason to name drop them as a favorite band. Joined here by Bobb Bruno, Best Coast however is a complete about face from Pocahaunted’s experimental sound and into catchy, drone drenched Lo-Fi Pop.

The cassette only Where the Boys Are EP is right up there with Dum Dum Girl’s Catholicked EP as one of the most earnest and irresistible Lo-Fi releases of this year. By off-setting Lo-Fi’s current default of 60′s Garage/Psych Pop with a gritty snarl reminiscent of Hole & Babes in Toyland that’s then further augmented with the sort of trippy drone mastery Consentino brings over from Pocahaunted, Best Coast have a unique identity that’s not only captivating but easy to recognize against the ensuing tidal wave of new Lo-Fi bands.

The only way this EP could get any better is if someone has the forsight to package it along with the equally great 3 songs from the also recently released Sun Was High (So Was I) 7″ into a mini LP/CD.

- My Pal the Crook