Terror Jr "Bop City" - EP Review
There’s a sweet taste of irony in the air when listening to the mysteriously concealed vocalist of pop bop makers Terror Jr sing the lines “Fuck them cool kids, we will never follow, we will never follow” on their deliciously bouncy, dance track Sugar. With its springboard production reflecting that of someone overdosing on a sickly glucose syrup concoction, this standout number from an excellent pop record highlights Terror Jr as anything but uncool.
Little is known about the band and lead singer Lisa "Kylie Jenner" but this lack of visual identity allows room for her breathy, childlike vocals to take centre stage. There is a subtle exuberance running throughout the EP which makes each track slide into the next with minimal friction. By admitting that both her and her love interest “ain’t a model” or “a GQ”, Lisa exhibits enough confidence in her sassy lyrics without ever compromising her likeability or relatable charm; whether she’s asserting her self-love by stating that her lover “know that I come first” in the simply produced yet effective Come First, fretting over a love she can’t reciprocate due to her Super Powers or demanding her partner “preach for me daddy, pray for the pussy” in the clicky, R&B-tinged Pray.
Say So mimicks the chopped vocal effects of it’s stronger sister song 3 Strikes, recalling the recent works of Kiiara but to greater success. Unfortunately, Truth stands out like the obvious sore thumb it is, teasing you with a possible exciting build up to only offer a lacklustre chorus with slightly strained vocals. Bop City’s electronic influence elevates itself above Terror Jr’s pop competitors but hints at a disposable nature and may fall victim to a short lifespan due to the relatively up-tempo, positive sounds which don’t quite match with Luna’s appeal. Overall however, the 8 track debut EP displays a very promising start for Terror Jr and their bold choice of title for an introductory record is certainly justified.