From the moment “Philadelphia” opens, Pool Boys blurs the lines between dream pop, indie rock, and a touch of the unexpected. The combination of layered guitars and drums is nothing short of hypnotic—melancholic yet somehow light, the kind of sound that pulls you in without effort. There’s a subtle unity to the guitars and drums here, almost a heartbeat, that sways between melancholy and a hint of hope, a paradox that deepens with each passing second.
It’s the vocals, though, that truly add a spectral beauty. Angelic yet melancholic, their voices lift effortlessly, creating textures that feel dark without ever quite succumbing to shadow. There’s a lightness to them, a lift, as though they’re brushing against the sky itself—a poetic duality that feels rare and hard to define, achieved with a refreshing skill. And as the song’s rhythm evolves, so do the vocals, giving the impression that each note and lyric grows in both intensity and meaning.
As “Philadelphia” progresses, the rock undertone emerges more clearly, with drums gaining strength and vocals responding in kind. Around the three-minute mark, a brilliant guitar solo offers an original touch, propelling the song to unexpected emotional peaks. And just as the rhythm grows bolder, it gently retreats, only to accelerate again in the final minute—a cycle that’s both brilliant and haunting, leaving you longing for more.
About Pool Boys:
Formed in Portland, Pool Boys is an all-femme indie rock force known for their intricate compositions and beautiful harmonies. The band—Emma Rose Browne, Caroline Jackson, Annie Dillon, and Monica Metzler—has been carving a path in the Pacific Northwest with their unique, multifaceted sound. Their debut LP, Patterns, drops in November and is poised to amplify their place in indie rock, showcasing their distinctive mix of layered guitar, thoughtful lyrics, and raw emotion.