I’ve been putting this review off for a number of reasons, one of which being that I wasn’t sure what I thought of this band (it takes a little getting used to). But when I heard it playing while looking for a new backpack at Brooklyn Industries the other day(didn’t buy anything), I knew I needed to just sit down and write this.
The first time I listened to Yeasayer (three weeks ago) was in the car. I listened to it two or three times until a song got stuck in my head, the first of which was 2080 (which sounds like it can be a new wave 80’s song from 25 years in the future). This is one of their singles (that apparently was a bit of a hit earlier this year) and pretty accessible. But the album, All Hour Cymbals plays more like a listening fiesta, with sounds coming from all angles, and leads me to suggest that you not listen to one or two tracks, but the album as a whole. There’s a hell of a lot going on here and for the most part it keeps your interest and at the very least doesn’t bother you while playing in the background.
I was looking for some info on Yeasayer. I tried reading the Pitchfork article, but it’s complicated and doesn’t make much sense (do you understand it?) I know they’re from Brooklyn, I heard they were found on myspace (thanks Jeff), and I got the impression that they rocked at SxSW. Who knows. I get the feeling though that Yeasayer is part of a forward movement in music right now, in line with bands like Arcade Fire or Animal Collective. The music is eclectic, a sound barrage, energized, and interesting (to say the least). Its also something that some people are going crazy for. I personally like it (it’s better than Limp Bizkit or Nickelback). Though not all the time, and I am not obsessed with it in any way that resembles our obsessive culture’s habit of jumping on the “hype machine”. This last thought put me off at first and may do a little damage to Yeasayer if they blow up too fast (but they’re doing more than fine right now). I won’t theorize. I’ll just talk about the music.
Besides the sound barrage, what struck me first about the music was the vocals -very strong, not just by lead (I think) Chris Keating, but the whole crew. Nice harmonies, strong chants, and they blend it all really well with the music to make for a healthy compliment. It’s slightly enchanting (the first second of the album begins with a collective ‘oooooohhh’ that basically splashes cold water on your face). My one problem with this is that with these strong voices and chants, I can’t make out what the hell these bastards are saying! It’s like they’re garbling! What the fuck is up with that? All the chants and wonderful harmonies and I have to go and make up my own fucking words (ex: the chant at the end of 2080 sounds to me like ‘You can have seventeen-hundred sons and daughters’ but I know that’s not what they say, but that’s what I sing). Annoying yes, but the use of kids cheering is very welcomed.
There’s a few songs that are slow, where I thought the album dragged a little -not bad, just a bit slow for me (mostly in the middle tracks). ‘Wait For The Summer’ is a great song and sorta sounds like the soundtrack I would take along with me when I go hunting in the bush, while ‘Worms’ has a sound like you’re playing the water level in a video game (maybe Tomb Raider or something). Jeez I’m a dork.
This is a very good album. Even with a few lulls in the middle, it’s always interesting, and where it’s good, it’s very good and what else, it doesn’t sound like a lot of stuff out there (which is probably their best asset). Again, it’s a sound barrage, one that I think might be even better to see live, which is my next move with this band.
Notes and Info:
-Listen for the chorus at the very end of the album (which is surprisingly easier to understand) -It’s a nice chant about friends and family and happiness and a great hook to end the album.
-Before the last track there is a point where I swear I can hear the beginning notes of ‘Mr. Roboto’ (domo erigato Styx!) played out (track 9, (2:05 and onward)).
-The full cover of the album (which you can see on their website) shows a little bit of vagina.
Check out Yeasayer’s myspace page. Or, check them out at the Mercury Lounge on December 15th when they play the Friction party (to which I hope to attend).
