Singles

The Like - He's Not A Boy

Antonio Rowe 01/06/2010

Rating: 3/5

The Like consists of four girl counterparts Elizabeth "Z" Berg (vocals/guitar), Laena Geronimo (bass), Tennessee Thomas (drums/vocals), and Annie Monroe (organ). Established in 2001 they're the daughters of music industry legends: with Z Berg father being former Geffen A&R man/record producer Tony Berg and Thomas' father being Pete Thomas, longtime drummer for Elvis Costello. With that I'm mind, I'm surprised their rise to the prominence hasn't happened sooner.


With a collection of EP's dating back as far as 2001 and a mixed to highly positive reception for their Geffen released debut 'Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking?'. It seems like 'The Like' (see what I did there?...) are finally ready to do it the 'proper way' with their second release aptly titled 'Release Me' produced by none other than the cover maestro or butcher (depending on what you think on his take on 'Valerie'Mark Ronson and being distributed by Downtown Music.

It's clear from the get-go that everything about 'The Like' is styled meticulously, their sound and look harking back to the swinging 60's with mod influences. This observation holds true for both the band's new single and their new album taster 'He's Not A Boy' and its accompanying grayscale mini-feature; which sets the scene of a typical performance from 'The Like' the impeccably dressed crowd throwing some classic northern soul shapes on the dance floor.

This sense of nostalgia seems to be ironically the bands main differentiation from anything currently out there in the alt.pop/rock scene it's also the The Like's pejorative. There's no doubt that 'He's Not A Boy' is a pleasant enough package of alt/rock pop with sugary vocals, unforgiving handclaps and jangly rock n roll riffs. But it lacks a much needed modern twist, and what would be classed as revolutionary at the time of its clear influences (1960's) it's just all abit seen it, done it, heard it and bought the t-shirt, even if the execution of this revival is pulled off to a tee.

Release date: 31/05/2010