Boy Named Sue’s recent EP is holding its own in the Raleigh music scene.
Finer Things by Boy Named Sue Listen if you like: Oasis, Joyce Manor, Violent Femmes
Continuing to cement themselves as a staple name in Raleigh’s music scene is rock group Boy Named Sue with their most recent release, Finer Things.
The Raleigh-based foursome formed in 2021 and has been turning out new music ever since. Writing and recording one well-produced album in four years is a feat for many artists—adding to their three albums and several EPs without sacrificing the quality in this quantity.
Mastered by Raleigh’s own Max Gowan at Found After Dark and released last fall, Finer Things displays a clear maturation from the group’s previous releases, but the lighter-hearted EP is still reminiscent of their same blended punk-rock sound. Consistently and refreshingly uncomplex lyrics lead the listener with unfettered vocals backdropped by grittier instrumentals. All the same, the record isn’t afraid of genre subversion.
Although the main elements of the EP lean far into both rock and emo, Southern sounds can be heard loud and clear—even apart from the opening track titled “CAROLINA SUMMER.” A faint whistle in the background, an occasional taste of a twangier guitar and hints of blues still shine through the punk sound as clear influences of the Carolinas.
And the album’s cover art tops off its contents by reiterating this combination of influences and genres—black high-tops seemingly carelessly tossed over the powerlines against a grainy blue sky mixes a vanguard of punk tastemaking with views of the South.
In short, Finer Things will make you both feel like you just emerged from the beer-soaked ecosystem of a house show and ran across a field amid a Carolina summer (!).
Cruise ’round Raleigh via a new way to rent bicycles.
Ready to ride? Check out (!) The Bike Library, Raleigh’s new trailside bike-borrowing biz that pedaled into the rental game last fall (move over e-bikes!) and is now opening a storefront and coffee shop at Platform.
“I noticed many friends wanted to [ride] but didn’t have access to good bikes,” says owner/founder Cameron Zamot, who rolled out his concept with six bikes he bought and propped up for rent at local businesses. “Buying a bike can be expensive, and renting options in Raleigh were lacking compared to places like Asheville.”
By early May, the rentals had caught on, and Zamot secured a contract with NC State to open an independent location of The Bike Library on the greenway near Lake Raleigh with eight high-quality bikes (including helmets and tool kits) available to rent for up to four days at a time. “My goal is to become a permanent part of Raleigh’s small business community and get more people on bikes,” says Zamot. … “I saw an opportunity to make a difference.” So, gear up for accessible summer bike rides.thebikelibrary.com
One of the standout staple pieces currently sailing through the seasons may not be what you expect. … Pajama pants are gaining traction as the mature-yet-just-as-daring older sister of 2023’s no pants trend. Originally ignited in Copenhagen, the billowing pant is now meant for anything but sleeping—yet just as acceptable to lay your head in. Easy to wear and style, linen pants promise to keep you cozy through all weather and occasions. Polish the look for coffee and errands by pairing with a chunky sweater, a long trench and a baseball cap, or wear into the warmer days with a lighter blouse, flat lifestyle sneaker and a tote bag. Pro tip: Opt for a linen or cotton material—flannels run the risk of actually looking like you didn’t get dressed. Time to (pajama) party. Shop similar at shophellbent.com
The future ~officially~ is now. NC residents will now have the option to go mobile via digital driver’s licenses, almost two years after a law went into effect approving the use of mobile IDs.
Backed by nearly unanimous bipartisan support, the law dictates these mobile driver’s licenses will be the “legal equivalent” of the traditional, polycarbonate hard copy licenses. Translation: The digital card *should* allow you to make a run to the ABC store, exercise the right to vote and simply pull out a phone when flashing lights pull up behind you on the interstate.
Here’s how it’ll work: Download the new NC Wallet app, scan your physical driver’s license or ID and take a selfie. Once your identity is verified against NCDMV records, your mobile ID will be issued directly to the app—and automatically reflect future updates to your information.
State officials are also working toward eventually making IDs available through Apple, Google and Samsung wallets—and no, of you get pulled over, you won’t have to hand your phone to an officer. Users will securely present ID through a compatible reader or a QR code that can’t access your photos, apps or additional information.
Following the bill’s passage, the DMV was directed in the legislation to study and provide a plan for implementation—including anticipated rollout, additional costs, involvement of a third-party vendor, security and protection of privacy rights. All the details were due back to the General Assembly on the first of this year for the July rollout (the report’s findings have not been shared publicly as of press time).
Despite the futuristic notion of a digital ID, NC is nowhere near the first to take licenses online—at least 15 states have active mobile driver’s license programs, and 10+ more are considering legalizing them or developing apps.
In states such as New Mexico, residents can store their driver’s license in their Apple Wallet and/or Google Wallet, plus the technology also allows for immediate updates to license information and status changes. While it’s unclear whether NC residents will have this luxury, we can only cross our fingers this means less trips to the DMV regardless.
JUST THE FACTS
Does it count as a real ID? Yes. The REAL ID Modernization Act states that the REAL ID Act applies to state-issued mobile driver’s licenses and mobile identification cards.
Will all states accept it? No. Not all states have digital IDs, and even ones that do use them don’t accept it everywhere—especially alcohol, tobacco and other age-restricted product vendors.
Can you use it to fly? Yes! Mobile IDs are accepted at 250+ TSA checkpoints across the U.S.—including CLT and RDU.
Our favorite cool coats to protect you from the cold
Jacket weather is upon us! Zip it, button it, wrap it—however you go about it, ’tis the season to don cold-weather coats. Not just an afterthought, this winter, the coat is an integral part of your ’fit.
Lean into fashion and function with these stylish frost-ready faves, including timeless staples refreshed via mod details for seriously chic looks, plus en vogue rugged-leaning styles like chore coats and denim jackets (best paired with jeans). Basically, stylish armor for the fashion warriors. Bundle up!
ICYMI, animal prints are the new neutral—they match everything. Take a walk on the wild side and clinch with a belt and pair with tall boots. Harper printed coat, $82, fabrikstyle.com
We aren’t saying the ’80s are back—but Canadian tuxedos (aka denim on denim) are trending. Hop on the sister trend of last summer’s Western chic fad with an easy-to-style dark-wash denim. Moto jacket, $525, raleighdenim.com
It’s gorpcore-meets-girly. Zip up this perfectly cropped puffer for the coldest Raleigh mornings. Frankie patchwork puffer jacket, $95, fabrikstyle.com
It’s leather weather, and faux-fur trims the edge on this sleek moto jacket. And who doesn’t love a little bit of extra swank? Apparis Jay bonded coat, $475, uniquities.com
This sweater weather-meets-snowy weather puffer is perfect for those who opt to skip the slopes to head straight to après-ski—while looking fabulous, natch. Reggie cable knit puffer,$228, uniquities.com
The mob wife era wasn’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle. Take this fur full Sopranos and pair with an LBD and heels, or lean into Alexa Chung-esque indie sleaze and dress down with boots. Zadig & Voltaire freeze coat, $498, genachandler.com
This versatile wool-blend zip is a perfect pick for the tricky warmer days Raleigh weather loves to deliver every few winter weeks. Rune jacket, $180, shophellbent.com
