Alternative Sports by The Beat

issue #38: alternative sports

welcome back! while spring in boston is still decidedly chilly, tentatively blooming crocuses, the scent of fresh cut grass, and bright lights at fenway park tell us it’s time for a new season. this month we bonded over our shared failures in the sphere of athleticism and themed our issue around alternative sports. we’ve got more gigs for you 2 get 2, lots of gym class horror stories, and interviews with baby! and snail mail. grab a gatorade, lace up yr finest sneaks, and get ready for a fresh, funky new Beat. no one’s keepin’ score!

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“Mean Streets” - Tennis “Ride the Wave” - Sports Coach “Courtside” - Hoops “Basketball” - Speedy Ortiz “All Skaters Go to Heaven” - IAN SWEET “Allison” - Soccer Mommy “Biking” - Frank Ocean, Jay Z, Tyler the Creator “Seven Sports for All” - China Crisis “Physical” - Olivia Newton John <3 ER + KS alternative sports

It is indeed a nuanced sport. The timing of the fingers against the laptop keyboard, Not too fast, not too leisurely. And there is an art to the multitasking as well, The checking of the phone — The scrolling of Instagram — The chatting to your friend doing her homework next to you — The essay sitting at your desk that is due in three hours — All those things, While you type important sentences into Google. “When a guy winks at you” “How to say toothpick in Chinese” “Why can’t I get up in the morning?” “Duck feet”. Only the untrained and underqualified Cannot grasp the talent it takes to perform all of these things at once. It really is quite Herculean. Then of course, there is Youtube. Only the best of the best of the Internet Surfers — Know how to sit for five plus consecutive hours, Without a bathroom break — And barely a drink of water — Watching people eat $100 bacon, And then try on 17 different lipsticks, then revisit Vine compilations, Then secretly watch RiceGum. Just admit it. I know you did. Internet surfing is not for the weak. If you like running, Or going outside, Or going to bed at 10 p.m. — Then you do not have what it takes To succeed in the world of Internet Surfing. But I hear they’re always looking for more football players — You can always try that. <3 Bee Dueck 4

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Every issue, the staff at The Beat take a trip to local thrift stores, consignment shops, and the like to find you — the reader — the most cost effective ways to look great. This issue, we’re looking at sportswear. We’re talking polos, windbreakers, stylish shorts — basically all the stuff you probably wear anyway, but cheaper.

Item 1: Red, Pine Valley Polo, $5 A red and white, horizontal striped polo (presumably for golfing?) with a tastefully mysterious “Pine Valley” logo superimposed over the heart for maximum Chariots of Fire vibes. Pair with black pants and a belt for a sophisticated but casual spring look that’s sure to impress all the other guys on the field hockey team.

Item 2: Green Golf Shorts, $2 The next item in what seems to be a bit of a golf theme are these green shorts. Perfect length for summer wear, (shorts at or below the knees is a criminal offense) these will keep you cool in more ways than one. Word to the wise, however; when wearing shorts or pants with such bold colors it’s important to stick with muted tones, lest you end up looking more boat club reject than golf chic.

Item 3: Yellow Rain Slicker, $15 The final item in a collection of only the finest (nearly) primary colors is this yellow rain jacket, embellished with an anchor logo and hood for when the waves start to kick up. Not only a comfy, casual jacket for all kinds of weather, but also a good way to offset the general preppiness of the previous two pieces with some more neutral vibes.

We hope you enjoy your new pseudo-prep DIY sportswear look (it’s on us). Flex responsibly! <3 Paul Stokes alternative sports

Snail Mail is the project of Baltimore, MD teen Lindsey Jordan. Paul Stokes interviewed Jordan ahead of her show at Great Scott in January. Snail Mail’s debut album, Lush, is set to release June 8th on Matador Records. Paul Stokes: I know that you started playing music from a really young age and that it’s always been a part of your life. I’ve heard you say that when you started playing music, you were doing it at least partially out of a desire to prove yourself to other people, but now that you’re successfully touring and you’re garnering a lot of attention with your new music, how have your motivations changed? And what drives you to improve? Lindsey Jordan: It’s almost like the complete opposite; I have no sense of how people feel about [my music] because I just don’t read anything online or check my Twitter mentions or anything. I sort of put myself in a bubble because I have no opinion on anything other than making music that I personally enjoy. I just really care about making music that I would listen to, that’s the only motivating force. PS: Related to that, you’re coming off a debut EP; have there been any challenges in transitioning stylistically, compositionally, or emotionally from that to a new fulllength project? LJ: Yeah, definitely; I care a lot more. I mean the EP I made for fun, and I wasn’t really even intending to play the songs live, but now that there’s a platform and the resources to make something with more time and thought put into it, I’ve put more time and thought into it. [laughs] I definitely care a lot more about the composition, which has made things harder, because I’ve been more critical of myself. And while I think the record reflects it, and I think the songs are substantially better. It made it a lot harder to write the record under the circumstances. I took my time more, I cared more, and I really looked at my influences and what I think makes a good record, and just tried to do that. PS: Do you see your own aging and coming out of high school and finishing all that stuff having an effect on your writing or your aspirations for your writing? LJ: Yeah, definitely. I listen to completely different music than I did when I wrote Habit and I feel like a completely different person than I was when I was writing it. I feel like I’ve changed a lot emotionally, had more experiences, and developed as a person. I care about different things in music now, I think the lyrics are more mature, I think the music itself is more mature, I think it’s just been a natural incline… I forget what the question is. [laughs] PS: Talking the guitar, while still call it. So think about

about the EP specifically, a lot of the instrumentals, and particularly stood out to me in that they felt unique without feeling overly obtuse, fitting within the confines of the genre - indie rock, whatever you want to is there an effort on your end to try and set yourself apart or do you not it?

LJ: I can comfortably say I’ve never thought about it while writing. The only thing as far as trying to distinguish myself in my songwriting goes is that when I’m writing melody, if it sounds like another melody I already know or that I can immediately recognize, I’ll stop writing the song, because I want it to sound completely new. People say to listen to your influences and build off that, but I prefer to work from ground zero and build something new, because whenever I try to work off of my influences I get kind of bored. The

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only way I can say I’ve tried to sound like my influences is in the studio, referencing different drum sounds or guitar tones, but with writing I try to isolate myself from the things I like the most. PS: On the other side of that, I think lyrically in a lot especially “Static Buzz” the writing really blends direct impressionistic imagery. What inspires you lyrically, and writing songs from such a young age, and how do you think

of songs like “Dirt” or narrative with more sort of what motivated you to start that affects your style?

LJ: Well, I think my main goal with the EP was just to document exactly how I felt at a given point in time. It’s written how I think I would write a diary. It’s written to express how I felt in the most extreme, dramatic way possible, and it really comes across that way, and it’s really intense. I think everything I felt at the time was intense, but it’s changed a lot since then. I think of it more like poetry now, more than a diary entry… I forget the question again! [laughs] PS: So you would say you’ve moved on or that you’re changing? LJ: A little. I’m not a totally different artist, but having had more experiences and having more to say, I think my ideas have developed, but also how I represent my ideas has changed. As far as the other part of your question goes, when I was younger I was never interested in songwriting or playing music professionally; I just played guitar to be good at it, and I took it real seriously, but I never intended on doing any writing. I wasn’t interested in it. I guess I started writing at like 11 or 12 as an outlet, and eventually it became more of a hobby than an outlet. PS: So you came up in the local scene in Maryland; how do you think that local scene affected you as a musician, or helped you achieve the success you have found, and what advice would you give to other local musicians trying to navigate their way to a similar place? LJ: It’s hard to say, because a lot of successful bands don’t come out of the DIY scene, and I don’t have much of an idea of what that’s like. I think growing up and doing it for yourself helps you figure out what’s wrong, what’s right, how to do it, how much you should get paid, how much you should pay people; it helps you develop a set of ethics and ideas so that once you start working with business people, you don’t get taken advantage of. And that’s not to say that there aren’t awesome people in the music industry, but if you do things for yourself starting out, you have a better idea in the future of whether or not you’re being taken advantage of. I guess my advice to people in those local scenes is just to make music that you’re proud of and that you care about, and everything else will follow. And if it doesn’t, it’s not that big of a deal. Just make music that you like, that’s what matters. Everything else is dumb. PS: Speaking of business people, I know you guys were recently signed to Matador and that you’ll be touring soon with Ought and Japanese Breakfast, who are both amazing. With all that in mind, what do you see as the future of the band? LJ: I’m really excited just to have the record out. I spent a lot of time, and put in a lot emotional energy and just every resource I have in my body and I feel like it’s been a long time coming. We haven’t released anything in a really long time, and I’m just excited for people to hear it. I’m excited for our shows with Belle and Sebastian too. We have a lot of great shows coming up; I’m excited to play and I’m excited for people to hear the songs! check out snail mail at https://snailmailbaltimore.bandcamp.com

alternative sports

Last week when i was on the juice i decided that i was strong enough to jump over a tennis net.

i gave myself a running start.

off i went towards the net, jumped up and over, was about to clear the top, and SMACK my foot got caught and i fell onto my face and chest on the ground.

ouch.

iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m terrible at sports. PLEASE no one ever let me think otherwise.

<3 ruby schwat 8

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Lucky the Leprechaun -Haha I kinda love movies, my favorite director is QuinceĂąera Tortellini -Set the house on fire practicing magic -Makes terrible jokes

Pat -Says emojis out loud when texting -Hates birds -Bought some land in Wisconsin so he can do cowboy shit

Slyd -Cries when they argue -Cargo shorts. Year round. Blade -Falls asleep to -Chaotic neutral Skrillex -Has four separate Tinder profiles -Cougar bait alternative sports

Wally The Green Monster -Always confused -Eats bugs -Keeps eye contact too long (canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help it, he was born without eyelids) <3 ruby schwat 9

GY M S H O R T

<3 Laura Thomas

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We all love to #get2thegig, but is there ever someone you just wish didn’t? Namely, the person who disrupts, offends, and is blatantly rude? Who seems to have no concept of how to act at a show??? Well we’re calling out their DIY fouls and sending them to the penalty box!

You’re charged with a DIY foul if you: 1. are a cop 2. don’t respect the space or people 3. don’t pay at the door, but are carrying a six-pack of craft beer (we see you) 4. aren’t wearing at least three articles of denim at all times 5. talk during an entire set (esp. when it’s acoustic !) 6. don’t know what DIY means 7. boast about your favorite “indie” artist who’s actually signed to a major label 8. leave after your friend’s set (support the scene, dammit!) 9. RSVP “going” to every show on Facebook, but never show up to any gig at all :/ 10. are a cop This may seem like a lot, and boy, there’s much more ! But just be a decent human and support the lovely, talented artists that make up the scene, and you’ll be golden :) <3

alternative sports

Olivia Gehrke

A Chat with Kaley Honeycutt & Ari Blut of... ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~

I recently sat down with singer and guitarist Kaley Honeycutt and bassist Ari Blut of Boston-via-Orlando band Baby! at La Befana Pizzeria in Allston. Over pizza, I asked them about songwriting in Boston, their favorite shows, and how their material has evolved in a live setting. Naturally, the pizza itself made its way into our conversation. Baby! will be playing a free show at BU Central on April 20, so if you like the interview (or even if you don’t), make sure not to miss out on that!

............................................. Who is Baby!? Kaley: Baby! is me... Ari: Kaley, Ari, and Chris! (holds up beanie as a stand-in) K: Chris is our drummer who lives in Connecticut. How did the band originally come together? K: I am the original “baby” — the songwriter. I moved up to Boston and I had already recorded an album, so I wanted to put a band together to play it. How would you describe your style of collaboration? Who does what for K: Usually I’ll write a new song and record a demo in GarageBand with and vocals. I try to make it sound as good as it can from my phone or like a layout for the song, but Chris is a better drummer than me and player, so they obviously change it and make it better.

the band? guitar, drums, bass, iPad. It’s kind of Ari is a better bass

What’s your favorite part about performing in Boston and the Northeast in general? A: It’s so small that it’s easier to tour, because there’s a lot of places that are within four hours. I grew up in L.A., and if you tour in California, you kind of just hit up other California spots. K: And I’m from Orlando, so it’s kind of the same thing. That’s why I moved. I wasn’t really in a good spot to play out. It takes like four hours to get to Georgia, and Georgia’s not really the go-to spot to show your music. I mean sure, it’s cool, but it’s hard to tour in Florida is all I’m saying. What’s been your favorite show that you guys have played so far? A: I think playing your kindergarten... K: Oh yeah, we played at a school that I’m in association with. We played to five-year-olds at a summer festival, and then they came onstage. A: We played to babies and their parents. K: Also Girls Rock was sweet. Girls Rock Camp Boston. They thought we were really cool. A: We were the lunchtime band. We signed autographs. So your album, Sunny, F.L., released in August of last year. Have the songs changed in any way since you’ve been performing them live, or since the seasons have changed? K: It’s totally different. When I wrote the album I was just like, “I’ve never tried to put out a collection of songs. I’ve been writing songs for a long time, I’m going to try to put an album out.” But when I was writing it, I didn’t have a live band in mind at all, which I think was good, because I think that would’ve hindered me creatively the first time around. So we’ve had to adjust to what’s realistic in a live setting, and I’ve also had to grow as a musician. We started out with a second guitarist, which made [the sound] a lot heavier. We did that for a while and had a few second guitarists, and then I was like, “Well, maybe I can just play my own lead guitar parts.” I’d say now more than ever it sounds more like the recordings. But still very different.

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I’d say the album really feels like a breakout album, especially since it’s about you leaving Florida, essentially. Now that you’ve spent some time in Boston, what elements of your new environment have made their way into your songs? K: I feel like I’ve met so many talented people. I feel like I’m a better guitarist and songwriter, just by rubbing shoulders and becoming friends with so many talented people from different places up here. I’ve refined my songwriting a lot, and I think more about the musicianship, I think more about the guitar parts and the lyrical content. I didn’t really think that much when I wrote the first album. I was just feeling it out. A: It’s sadder in Boston. K: That’s true. I’m writing some... are they sadder songs? A: Not sadder, but edgier. K: They are edgier. Can we expect a “Snowy, M.A.” album that has a seasonal affective disorder vibe? K: You can in some songs for sure. I’ll be keeping my poppy core, because that’s who I am, but I think it is a little edgier and I’m a little angrier. I have to be honest — the one time I visited Florida, I wasn’t really much of a fan, but I’ve heard good things about the place since and I’d like to give it another shot. If I were to stop in at your hometown, what should I not miss? K: It’s pretty small, so there’s only a couple things to notice. Go hang out at Will’s Pub, sit on the patio. Order a really fancy drink from Lil’ Indies, which is right next to Will’s Pub — they share the patio. Go to a show in the pub, it’s one of the only venues. Where else... go to the Henao Contemporary Art Center, they also have shows and art. Oh! Last thing — Stardust Video & Coffee. It’s filled with VHS’s and other things. It’s a really weird spot. Who would you consider to be your main influences, both in life and in music? K: I feel like I answered this wrong last time, so I’m going to answer it right this time. When I was learning songwriting, [my main influences were] the Cranberries, Karen O and Regina Spektor. Now, I would say [they are] Cate Le Bon, Frankie Cosmos, and... I don’t know, I listen to a lot of bands. It’s hard to pick one. A: Also the new Alvvays and Girlpool records. K: And I’ve been listening to this album [Record Time!] non stop for a while by Lexie, which is Frankie Cosmos and the guy from Real Estate. It’s very good. I think I’m their PR person. If you had to, how would you describe the style of music that Baby! makes in three words? A: When I’m trying to get shows I put “indie rock/pop?” K: I’d say we need to revamp that. Beach, surf… A: Surf... guitar pop. K: Surf guitar pop. Hell yeah, that’s it. Because I feel like “rock” is a little... it’s a strong word. A: It can mean anything. K: It really can. When is your next show? A: Our next non-house show in Boston is April 13 at Record Hospital Fest. And you have a show at BU, right? A: Oh yeah, 4/20. Do K: A: K:

you have any idea when your new music might be available for fans to listen to? I have hopes and dreams. Give us like a year. We’re in the writing phase. But we’re scheming for the future, definitely. We’ll hopefully start recording soon.

<3 Dane Persky

alternative sports

Anticipate some heavy emotional intensity this month. Take some time for yourself, run a bubble bath, sip champagne, and stay grounded and centered. With Mars in Taurus and Mercury in retrograde, you’re emphasizing material possessions, so keep some things around that make you feel secure and cozy. Wrap up in a blanket and listen to some ethereal vibes (with a little Aries bite), More Fun in the World by X. You’ve been feeling stifled and ignored lately, and the gloomy weather is causing you a gloomy mood. Mercury in retrograde means you should focus your energy on reflection and thoughtfulness. Venus squares Saturn twice in April which, honestly, is a bummer of a combination. Don’t let the winter blues take it out of you this month, brighten up with the dreamy optimism of b’lieve i’m goin down… by Kurt Vile. Life has been kicking you recently but this frustration has been building up. This month will be draped in a veil of quiet sensitivity for you, Gemini, but the planetary movements will drive you to get the respect you deserve. Get your money this month, Gems. Your ruling planet, Mercury hits retrograde meaning miscommunication will be inevitable, so watch yourself, don’t get carried away, and kick back with the energetic (and a little sexy) Cansei De Ser Sexy by CSS. Venus is the planet of love and beauty but it’s also the planet of material possessions and getting paid. This month your career, finances, and future will be on your mind. You may feel a little unsure of your position but don’t get discouraged, Cancer! Stay grounded but keep that energy up with Magnifique by Ratatat. 14

The moody April blues are gonna affect you a little bit Leo, but luckily the Sun in fiery Aries forms a trine that’ll make you restless, social, and exhilarated. Venus rules material possessions and interpersonal connections which means the two things you love (luxury items and showing off) are not gonna rock as fluidly as they usually do. Get your mojo back and throw on The Great Mixtape by Sampa the Great.

The energy in April is going to be hot and intense for you Virgo, but you’re not known to be the most adaptable person; don’t let the hot hot heat melt you. Try not to let emotional intensity or miscommunication from the Mercury retrograde push you off track. April is a month to roll with the punches, chill out to Plain Speaking by Scallops Hotel.

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You may be feeling delicate at the beginning of the month, but your savvy, charming, social prowess will return to you in the latter half of the month. Also brace yourself for heavy energy with a new moon in your opposite sign, Aries, on the 11th. Shake it to the classic sounds of One Two by the queen Sister Nancy.

April is gonna be super moody, but luckily, moody is your preferred state. Emotional intensity will run high, and will only get more intense when action planet Mars and powerful Pluto form a trine, inviting in some seriously sexy vibes. Set the mood and get a little angsty with Chrissybaby Forever by Christopher Owens.

Starting the month in moody, dreamy Pisces is really gonna throw off your usual buzzy energy when Mercury goes into retrograde. But you, Sag, can easily drift into the Pisces philosophical, celestial haze. Look through your childhood pictures, cry, think about Camus, drape yourself in gossamers, and turn on Heavy Starch by Dirty Art Club. Venus and your ruling planet Saturn have a few clashes this month. Emotional tensions will be high from the retrograde in Venus, but your mind will be all on your career (classic Capricorn). Don’t expect any promotions this month, and don’t get ahead of yourself - it’s all in good time, Cap. Throw on Gets Next to You by Al Green, and remember the simpler times when everyone wore bell bottoms and did cocaine off of bar stools in Times Square. The Venus retrograde in Pisces will bring up questions about whether you’re asking enough from your job and from other people (or conversely, are you asking too much?). Interpersonal relationships and material possessions are on the forefront of your mind. Where do you belong? Are you comfortable with your relationships? Are you respected? Listen to Future Politics by Austra and let her soulful voice guide you. Venus and Mercury are both conjunct to your sun sign early this month. You’ll want to manifest your Pisces energy while your planets line up and though you may feel like acting out, resist this urge and stay calm. Let the moodiness of April roll over you and tune into RAM by Paul McCartney.

<3 alyssa alternative sports

My mom is a teacher at an elementary school back in New Jersey. A couple weeks ago, her school had a “silly sock day” so to be festive, she wanted to wear a fun pair of socks. She decided to consult my sock drawer (because I wear a lot of c00L socks), and picked out a pair that were black with some cute green plants on them and a little green leaf sticking off the back. She went through a full work day at the elementary school wearing those socks, and when all the kids were presenting their silly socks to the class, she also shared hers, showing off the green plants. The kids loved them. When she returned home at the end of the day, she took off her shoes to relax and my brother noticed the socks she was wearing and asked, “mom, why are you wearing Abby’s weed socks??!!”

(This story was delivered to me in a text message from my mom accompanied by the question, “why do you own weed socks?” to which I responded, “how did you not know what weed looks like?”) At least the kids liked the socks!

<3 abby

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alternative sports

SUNDAY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

Superorganism @ Brighton Music Hall 8:30pm

Crumb / pet fox @ Great Scott 8:30pm

Black Market Flea @ Massasoit Elks Lodge 12pm

Negative Gemini / George Clanton / dust from 1000 yrs @ Great Scott 9pm

Trace Mountains / Horse Jumper of Love / bedbug @ Great Scott 8:30pm

Black Market Flea @ Massasoit Elks Lodge 12pm

Saccharine / Lychi / Guiding Wave / Chemical Wire @ O’Brien’s Pub 8pm

Hurray For the Riff Raff / Waxahatchee @ Somerville Theatre 7:30pm

Unknown Mortal Orchestra / Makeness @ Royale 8pm

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THURSDAY 5

FRIDAY 6

Tuxis Giant (Album Re-

lease) / Moonish Brute / Trash Girl / Looks Like Mtns @ Trixieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palace 8pm

SATURDAY 7

Blase Blue / Line Leader / Littlefoot / Julep @ Lilypad 10pm

U.S. Girls / Gold Bellows / Mini DressDime @ Great Scott es / The Water Cycle / 8:30pm Lilith (solo) @ Makeout Point 7:30pm

Weird Local Film Festival #4 @ Warehouse XI 7pm

Wei Zhongle / Lina Tullgren / ___highlightreel @ Lilypad 10pm

Edgar Clinks / Squitch (Album Release) / bedbug / Sweater Paws @ Shed Cellar 8pm

Do617 Pop-Up Record Shop @ Brighton Music Hall 10am

Oompa / Kyle Bent / Rex Ultra Chapelle (Album Mac @ Great Scott 10pm* Release) / Sidney Gish / Squitch / Grazen @ Ask 4 Address 8pm

* = 21+

alternative sports

for your mini place! to make the course: 1. label the cups 1 through 4 (or however many holes you have). 2. put each cup throughout your space on their sides. try putting some in hard to reach places like under a bed or down some stairs. 3. put a post-it with the hole number at the start of each. for a challenge use small boxes or cups as obstacles. 4. use the broom as a club and the scorecard below. 5. put on pastel shorts and boat shoes and play golf!

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supplies: »» 1 broom »» balls or other rollable objects (like eos lip balm or a very small cup) »» 4 large cups (or more if you have a lot of space!) »» 4 post-its »» 1 sharpie »» 1 pencil

Local restaurants recommended by local musicians reviewed by local punx Olivia: Picture this: a Restaurant: Yoma, 5 N freezing cold Boston Beacon St., Allston evening turned pleasantly warm due to a steaming Recommended by: Dylan bowl of noodles at Yoma. Citron of Bedbug This is what dreams are made of, I’m tellin’ ya. Yoma’s Shan noodles featured a red sauce, which almost made the rice noodles seem Italian, except an array of spices, ground peanuts, a v spicy chili sauce, and delectable tofu brought a Kristen: If distinctly Burmese flavor to you’re looking for the table. Will be some good noods, this returning to Yoma frelowkey restaurant is the quently in my dreams place for you. I had the + in reality. <3 garlic chicken noodle dish which is comprised of wonton wheat noodles in a garlic and sweet soy sauce, roasted chicken, scallion, garlic, and pepper. Yoma sure knows how to make noodles that will melt in your mouth and leave you wondering where this Burmese cuisine has been all your life.

alternative sports

Lurch // Don’t Believe by Weekend Greg Though Lurch // Don’t Believe is only a two-track release, it deserves as much careful attention (and love) as a full album. The boys of Weekend Greg have been together as a band since high school, and it shows in the songs’ tight instrumentation and style. The initial heaviness of “Lurch” — established by means of frenzied lyrics, aggressive bass, and fast half-step walkdowns — is briefly interrupted by swirling instrumental breaks, giving the listener a chance to reflect on what they’ve heard. The concepts of selfishness and evil are explored in the lyrics as short anecdotes followed by the repeated phrase, “Just to get things their way.” “Lurch” transitions seamlessly into the second track. “Don’t Believe”’s psychedelic, dreamy feel contrasts nicely with the former, encouraging the listener to “forget everything [they] know” and sink into the enchanting three-part vocal harmonies. Both songs are teeming with eclectic rhythm changes and synth licks sure to satisfy — or perhaps refreshingly rile up — their listeners. That being said, Weekend Greg’s still got it. <3 audrey sutter

GL // Ratboys Currently on tour with Boston favorites Vundabar, Ratboys have released an EP of songs that didn’t make it to their full-length album, GN. The EP features lead singer Julia Steiner’s sweet vocals and emo-adjacent jangle rock with themes of friendship, isolation, and heartbreak. The folksy Americana sound of Ratboys is charming, but is backed up by powerful guitars & unapologetic lyricism. At the end of “After School,” Ratboys break into full rock, allowing Steiner’s vocals to reach a previously unheard urgency. This bodes well for the band’s future, and hopes are high if they can tap into that energy on their next release. <3 sophie sachar 22

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bad @ sports haikus got hit in the jaw with a white field hockey ball excellent drive, claire <3 ss

i kicked a girl on the soccer field, she looked just like a soccer ball. </3 kasia jezak

when i played soccer they told me to stand still and not get in the way : ( <3 ss

poor Christinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face in the way of my frisbee twice in one gym class :/ ej

had my face stepped on many times as a keeper. broke my fingers too. <3 audrey sutter

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The Beat draws... sports gear in 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gear