ET Boys: A Retrospective on Their Music and Imminent Mainstream Success

ET Boys start 2026 off with a bang: sharing the stage with Riff Raff.

ET Boys | Photo: Mark Maryanovich

In 2021, two South Florida Latino brothers — Sharkeyes and Tacboy — began releasing music. They called themselves ET Boys, and their sound was described as melodic rap/nu-pop.

Since their debut in 2021, ET Boys have carved out a distinctive space in contemporary music. Blending genres and unique rhythms with the erotically colored voice of Tacboy, their ride from the breakout single “Sober” to their upcoming gig opening for Riff Raff in January 2026 is marked by innovation, artistic growth, and steady acclaim. Tracing their evolution and analyzing their critical reception reveals their impact on the music industry and their listeners.

Debut and Breakthrough: “Sober” (2021)

ET Boys emerged with “Sober,” a track that quickly established their signature blend of melodic rap and nu-pop, a sonic style that refuses to be pigeonholed. Elite media outlets extolled their emotive lyrics and catchy hooks, remarking on the duo’s fresh approach:

• “Tacboy and Sharkeyes combined forces to release their debut single ‘Sober.’ Known as the ET Boys, the Florida-based duo have come up with an incredibly fun mix of what sounds like pop punk and modern hip-hop with a retro flair. If any of those sound like they float your boat, this song is definitely worth checking out.” — KitchenToonz
• “From their music to the videos, the ET Boys are clearly making their own art and set to make their special mark on the world.” — Pepper Gomez, Fangtasia Music
• “Tacboy, a signed IMG model, is already being compared to Jim Morrison in looks, vocal fluidity, and lyrical production. In this analogy, Sharkeyes is the Ray Manzarek of the team with his formal studies in piano and drums from which he draws to create and elevate his tracks.” — Mia Mind Music

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Debut Album: Forever Night (2022)

Building on “Sober,” ET Boys released Forever Night, their debut album, showcasing their stylistic versatility and emotional vulnerability. Reviewers responded enthusiastically:

• “‘Sober,’ the track that starts ‘Forever Night,’ the debut record by ET Boys, is absolutely one of the most SINGLE-WORTHY cuts I’ve heard in the past five years without a doubt. … ET Boys have arrived. This is their moment, and they’re ready to attack it with everything they’ve got.” — Sleeping Bag Studios
• “‘Forever Night’ vibes and grooves. ET Boys paint a vivid 11-song picture of a complete Saturday night in the city: from choosing your smoothest outfit and clubbing all night to driving through neon-lit skyscrapers at 4 am on your way to the afterparty. Tacboy’s lyrics and voice weave some dramatic stories.” — Coyote Music
• “Born from the bonds of brotherhood, synthpop duo ‘THE ET BOYS’ deliver an outstanding album with ‘Forever Night.’” — Tophitz
• “‘Forever Night’ makes for an easy playlist of engaging escapism. It’s a project that perfectly embraces the listener in equal parts volume, heart, rhythm, and contemplation.” — Stereo Stickman
• “‘Sober’ is truly a phenomenal track with a stunning arrangement. The tonality is powerful with surreal tones that captivate us totally. … Overall, ‘Forever Night’ is an unconventional sonic journey that evokes a plethora of feelings, too. And therefore, Jukebox Mind highly recommends this album.” — Jukebox Mind

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PAOPU EP (2024

In 2024, ET Boys released their EP, PAOPU, produced by Grammy winner Ken Lewis. This project marked a creative evolution, with reviewers highlighting its ambition and emotional resonance:

• “WakeUp Music! did well to sign these two artists (Tacboy and Sharkeyes), as they have proven to create music from a unique space that often taps into deep emotions with light-hearted, airy beats. … It feels dramatically tropical, and as mysterious as their titles are, I am going to let you sort out what I am trying to say here.” — Empire Music Promotions
• “Heavy on the synth-pop, light on the R&B, this masterfully mixed single showcases yet another creative side of the ET Boys.” — Empire Music Promotions
• “The ET Boys elevated their artistry with the release of the ‘Paopu’ EP, produced by Grammy winner Ken Lewis. The project surpassed 1 million Spotify streams and received praise for its emotional depth and genre fusion.” — New York Star Magazine

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Five Singles in 2025

Throughout 2025, ET Boys didn’t slow down; in fact, they released five singles, each expanding their sonic palette and stylistic motifs.

In 2025, ET Boys released “Far Away,” produced by David Gnozzi of MixBusTv, “Metroid freestyle,” produced by Grammy-winner Drew Correa, “Holy Ghost,” and “Ritual,” along with “Woe Am I.”

The pair has had three songs top the Radio Tracker Independent Charts: “Bong Bong,” “This Is Us,” and “Until Forever.” While “Love Me If You Must” hit #1 on The Urban Influencer Rap Charts, and “Ritual” was number one on Independent Global Radio Miami.

• “‘Far Away,’ the brand-new single/music video from ET Boys, illustrates how innovative and yet how difficult the duo can be to categorize. Their music pulls from pop, hip-hop, R&B, soul, and an array of other genres, but it’s too cutting-edge to be boiled down to one or the other. … Regardless of how it’s defined, it’s good stuff!” — V13.net
• “Their breakout single ‘Woe Am I’ has officially locked down the #1 spot on the Digital Radio Tracker (DRT) Independent Chart for three consecutive weeks, marking another major milestone for the Miami-born, genre-bending duo. … The track stands out on first listen and grows even bigger on the second, which explains why stations across the country keep spinning it.” — ET Boys Official
• “Amazingly arranged with stormy blackness and billowing energy, ‘Woe Am I’ summons up the turbulence of Greek tragedy.” — V13.net

Opening for Riff Raff (January 2026)

ET Boys are set to open for Riff Raff at the end of January 2026, a significant milestone that manifests the buzz surrounding them and their increasing popularity. This high-profile gig is expected to introduce their music to an even wider audience and allow them to strut their talent for live performances.

Originality

Reviewers consistently highlight ET Boys’ gift for blending genres — hints of melodic rap, nu-pop, synth-pop, hip-hop, and retro flavors. Their music is described as “too cutting-edge to be boiled down to one or the other” and praised for its “fun mix” and “genre fusion.” This originality sets them apart from humdrum artists.

Emotional Resonance and Depth

Reviewers frequently mention the emotional impact of ET Boys’ work. Words like “emotive lyrics,” “emotional resonance,” and “deep emotions” appear in the comments on all releases. The PAOPU EP, in particular, is noted for its “emotional depth,” and Forever Night is described as “an unconventional sonic journey that evokes a plethora of feelings.”

Artistic Growth

The duo’s evolution is a regular theme. Reviewers perceive a clear trajectory from the debut single “Sober” to the more elaborate, complex, and polished PAOPU EP, signifying their willingness to try new things and grow.

Relatability

ET Boys’ music is often described as approachable, with reviewers mentioning their exploration of “themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience.” Forever Night is said to “paint a vivid 11-song picture of a complete Saturday night in the city,” emphasizing narrative and the ability to connect intimately with listeners’ experiences.

ET Boys | Photo: Mark Maryanovich

Production Quality and Collaboration

The influence of high-profile collaborators, such as Ken Lewis, is highlighted, especially on the PAOPU EP. Reviewers mention “masterfully mixed” tracks and “polished, expansive sound,” underscoring the importance of production quality in the duo’s escalating success. Their collaboration with Heroes and Villains on “Time’s Up” is a personal favorite. Tacboy’s evocative voice and a dazzling guitar solo make this track hum with energy.

Creative Momentum

Opinions on the 2025 singles emphasize ET Boys’ ability to sustain creative impetus and release compelling music. Their singles are described as “innovative,” “amazingly arranged,” and “consistently deliver engaging, relatable music,” connoting innate creative talent and the ability to convey it via music.

Wrap-up

From their deliciously potent debut to their impressive recent projects, ET Boys have over and over again impressed the fourth estate and fans alike. Their music is underscored by innovation, emotional depth, and devotion to artistic growth. As they prepare to open for Riff Raff in 2026, ET Boys are ready for and deserve even more recognition for the way they push boundaries and connect with audiences through their unique rhythms, melodies, lyricism, and swanky vocals.

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