Posted by Producer turned pop star Oscar Scheller has had his fingers in many pop-music pies over the last few years, working with Ashnikko, Charli XCX and Connie Constance. In early 2021 he released his third feature length album ‘Boys Cry’, a cinematic diary of a sensitive soul.
‘Boys Cry’ is a fine display of Scheller’s talent; a Creative taking the genre in a considered and musically diverse direction. Drenched in 80’s nuance, bright guitar tones and compressed vocals which glide over the music, ‘Boys Cry’ is a pop album which is genuinely sonically engaging – a refreshing take in this era of fast-food pop.
The production on the album is, as expected, exquisite. Every instrumental decision sits right where it should; no subtle ornamentation goes amiss. Track Five on the album ‘Peach’ is uber-groovy. A catchy hook supported by a whistling melody line – a style which always seems to do well in mainstream pop. Scheller has fun with this track and its resonant in his singing, veering away from his grizzly, slurry style opting for a bouncier vocal. The song is a fun light-hearted groove – a definite contender for the top summer-banger spot.
The album is not all sunshine and rainbows, however. Scheller explores a variety of topics and moods within the record.
Title track ‘Boys Cry’ explores and unpacks the said cliché. An album highlighting male vulnerability and its normalcy, ‘Boys Cry’ is an anthem for emotional men. A tune to be played with pride. That being said, the more innovative lyrics within the song feel overshadowed by the obvious, repeated phrases. Definitely not one of the stronger tracks on the album, the tune falls flat below the other pop hits such as ‘Fuck It All’ and ‘Average Joe’.
‘Murder’ takes a rapidly melancholic turn – simply Scheller’s gravelly vocal and a minor-scaling guitar. The entire focus is on the harrowing lyrical content. A heart-breaking tale of a victim at the hands of their abuser. ‘Murder’ feels cathartic. Scheller romanticises the events of this abuse enough for it to feel like a love song, but upon further inspection ‘Murder’ is an overtly unsettling song masqueraded by its beauty.
The track listing feels slightly mismatched; ‘Boys Cry’ would have favoured a clear split between ‘Side A’ and ‘Side B’. It appears at first to be following a sonically uplifting first half and a reserved second half but there are occasional contrapuntal tunes which throw off the vibe. The album has a lot to offer so it’s a shame the listing feels off.
Scheller is obviously talented, and this album is thematically earnest and profound, but it just manages to fall short of spectacle. ‘Boys Cry’ toes the line of genericism but lyrically and emotionally Scheller pulls it out the bag.
7/10
Words: Amelia Lloyd
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