“L3G3N-W8 4 IT-DARY” A Review of L3G3NDS by The LEETSTREET BOYS

“L3g3nds,” the most recent release from L33T STR33T BOYS, is a little bit pop with a pop punk attitude, with a healthy dose of chip tunes, and even verges on power metal with its solos.  “L3G3NDS” is very serious in that it is some well crafted, professional songwriting that is a lot of fun, but because of that seriousness of material the topics of each songs and source material for which they pull from can be incredibly funny.  This comedy seems to be very intentional however as the name (A play on the popular boy band The Backstreet Boys) suggests, spinning the song-writing styles of loves lost and found through geeky subcultures.

The title track itself reminds one of the intro to an action adventure RPG intro, which followed by Sakura is a fantastic burst of fun energy and some really crisp guitar soloing that gives the song depth without overstaying it’s welcome or feeling out of place.  Songs like Booth Babe and Imaginary Boys start off a little more low key but again pick up into probably some the most catchy song on the album, and one of my favorites as far as lyrical content because of their ability to use so many video game puns while talking about a missed connection at E3 and a lament of being the perfect guy glossed over by Link, Edward Elrich, and various other fictional heroes.  Songs like My Life and an RPG, and Final Boss rely heavily on video game humor in all the right ways, including the classic NES style background music for Final Boss.  And then songs like Otakurave hit and aside from the stylized vocals and guitar solos could fit very easily into contemporary club music.  Songs like Harajuku Girl, Worlds Apart, and The Song of Time really give the album some serious depth.  While Harajuku and Worlds Apart, still hits hard and fast, all of them utilize piano and are meant show off how well the group can tug at your heart strings.

The style of the album really pushes the limits of a genre which is hard to accomplish without sounding whiny, but because of their upbeat style, love and understanding of multiple genres, off-beat topics, and referential humor, L3G3NDS really does come close to becoming exactly what the title suggests.  Legen- (Wait for it) Dary!  It is really refreshing to hear people who enjoy fandom and know how to write music.  If you have ever enjoyed Pop-punk  or a video game junkie or an Otaku, this is the perfect album for you, but even if you don’t fit into those categories don’t count this album out, it may just change your mind!