- Label
- Mute
- Release date
- 8th February 2010
- Genre
- Indie
- Buy this album
- Order CD
Strange infectious pop from arty boffins.
This Brooklyn trio describe their music as “Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel” which goes some way to defining the upbeat triangulation of pop and funk they’ve harnessed.
Older listeners though may recognise something a bit more familiar: the 80s. In particular the rather awkward period when British synth-pop bands discovered rhythm, while younger ears may discern similar cosmopolitan influences as Vampire Weekend. Either way Yeasayer are terrific fun - if you’re not too adverse to the occasional detour into clever-clever.
The Afripop lurch of Ambling Alp is an obvious highlight but there are plenty of sunny moments - O.N.E. is The Thompson Twins filtered through an Atari arcade and the BBC cricket theme tune. Love Me Girl and Mondegreen surreal futuristic robo-pop. Madder Red a lush cosmic folk ballad full of eastern promise and I Remember is a falsetto tearjerker to break the most manly of hearts.
A squashy packet of random tunes for sure but more enjoyable than your average indie hipster offering.
More to try:
Thompson Twins: Into The Gap
Animal Collective: Merriweather Post Pavilion
Hot Chip: One Life Stand
Tears For Fears: Songs From The Big Chair
