Sitting Duck, the debut EP from Boston indie-folk outfit Hereboy finds the trio navigating the feelings of love, loss, loneliness and the unknown. Vocalist/guitarist Sarah Gyurina reflects back on a past life and poses questions that come from the heart. Despite speaking personally, the story opens itself up to interpretation and allows listeners to put themselves in her shoes, feeling the same feelings that Gyurina speaks about. “Old Spice” straddles the line of an incredibly specific experience while maintaining a level of ambiguity. Unassuming at first, you may just find yourself sniffing deodorant and thinking of someone you once knew.
A common thread of Sitting Duck is the focus on dynamics and appreciating the subtleties or negative space. The title track seems like a quiet closer that may even come off as forgettable, but there are so many delicate details that are easy to miss the first time around. Percussion, harmonies and natural ambience all come together in a way that turns a blank canvas into art with just a few brushstrokes. Contrarily, the standout track “Is It Enough?” utilizes the ensemble to create a stable landscape for Gyurina’s vocals to add the embellishments. “Hey! Am I making a mistake?” rings out with a palpable feeling of insecurity, begging the listener to reflect on their own experiences.
The beauty of Sitting Duck may be missed upon first glance, but I promise that you will discover something new with each listen. There are so many careful additions that elevate the experience and prove that Hereboy has created something truly special.
Sitting Duck is out now everywhere, hit the link below to listen.