Global warming, unnecessary wars and maniacal presidents: if the end is near I suppose it’s best to hear about it from a hip new rock band, then from a square politician. At least then I could explain to my parents why I waste my time “listening to that filth”.
On All Hour Cymbals – the bands debut -- Brooklyn based Yeasayer explore a futile future with beautifully layered rock songs that alarm while they enchant. But beyond instilling mortal fear and political lingo to their indie-tinged sounds, the band adds much, much more.
Anand Wilder, Chris Keating, Ira Wolf Tuton and Luke Fasano successfully mix modern rock guitar and vocals with Middle Eastern chants and African rhythms seemingly with ease. The bands desperate darkness and stylish harmonies are reminiscent of classic 70’s rock and their intertwined electronic sounds recall the New Wave era. Yet, when looking to lazily compare the band, no one comes immediately to mind.
One could say they hear harmonies suggestive of Crosby Stills Nash and Young - or even the prog-ness of Peter Gabriel era Genesis. Although the band names both as influences, it is impossible to overlook the other myspace-listed inspirations: Sierra Leone Refugee Allstars and Popul Vuh. Incidentally, when the album is uploaded to itunes, “world music” is the genre into which it falls. Meanwhile, the band’s myspace jokingly uses “Visual / Gospel / Showtunes” to classify the group. Ironically, they actually are that difficult to categorize. These genre-spanning influences perplex and, therefore, create an odd uniqueness that allows you to thoroughly enjoy your very own dim destiny.
Case in point is the opening track “Sunrise”, which begins with repeated a capella “ohhhh”s, followed by hand claps and piano. Next, worldly rhythmic bass and drums accompany electronic samples. The voice then begins with the lyrics “Yea it started with a stumble/and I get old and I get humble/the sky cracked a million ways making me blind”. Now you are hooked.
The addiction continues with the already blog popular song “2080” (vocally there is a slight resemblance to Clap Your Hands Say Yea singer Alec Ounsworth). Front man Keating sings, “I cant sleep when I think about the times were living in; I cant sleep when I think about the future I was born into”.
Another enjoyable song, “No Need to Worry” is an epic goth-esque track that begins with stuttered piano and peaks with a one minute plus deliberate guitar solo outro.
The highlights are many, although there are certain moments when the album lulls and delivers trite lyrics. But ultimately, we are introduced to a darkly unique sound that somehow lifts the spirit. One thing for sure, the end of the world sounds pretty cool. |