Oh boy! In a flash, Uni Boys went from being a band I slept on to being a band I figured was too "big" for me to be reviewing. However, I have decided that it's completely idiotic to ever call a band too big to review. My philosophy from now on is that if I love a record, I'm going to write about it and not just assume that you all already know about it. My whole goal is to spread the gospel, and I don't mind preaching to the choir every now and then if it means that even one person will be turned on to something they like.
So maybe you do all already know about the self-titled fifth album from Uni Boys. But as someone who tries to stay on top of the best things going on in power pop, it would be downright neglectful for me to not weigh in on this absolute gem of an album. I do my best to be more measured in my takes than I used to be, but I can't help thinking this 12-track long player could stand toe-to-toe with numerous late '70s/early '80s power pop albums that are considered standards of this musical style. Of course Reza Matin and Noah Nash nail the vintage power pop sound, from the ringing guitars to the soaring harmonies to the heartfelt lovelorn vocals. But it's the quality of their hooks and songwriting overall that just can't be denied. These guys know how to write a tune! One song sounds like it should be the single. Then the next one does too, and it just keeps going that way until the album is over. There are no sub-par tracks or drastic departures from the formula. Circa the later '90s, when I was scouring every record store I could get to in a quest to acquire every power pop album released between 1976 and 1982, if I would have across a record like this, I would have absolutely flipped my shit!
This record (as do all the Uni Boys' records) models itself after the classics. But it never settles for being a knock-off version. Uni Boys have essentially made their own classic power pop album in 2026. "I Don't Wanna Dream Anymore" would fit in perfectly on any of those famous compilations of power pop singles (anything that reminds me of The Jags has to be good!). "Maybe I'm Wrong", "Want You Back," "You're So (Phisticated)," and "Genevieve" are very much in the same vein. "You'll Curse His Name Again" is '70s power pop by way of classic '60s pop a la The Lemon Twigs, etc. "Abra" is so laidback California smooth that it could easily turn up on someone's yacht, and I am all about that! When the band ventures a little outside the textbook power pop box, the results are extraordinary. "Sin Your Life Away" lays down a later '60s psych-ish pop touch and absolutely stuns. "No Need To Serve a Purpose" is giving Brian Wilson vibes in all the best ways.
So there you have it: better late than never, my first Uni Boys review! It's pretty awesome to be living in a moment where bands like this are getting their proper attention and respect. Even the most cynical Boomer or Gen X crank who hasn't liked a power pop record in 40 years would be hard-pressed to listen to this record and not fall head over heels for the Uni Boys. Get it from Curation Records!
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