The London based four piece have created the most feel good album of 2016, and its only February!
The bands two previous full lengths, the self-titled ‘Yuck’ and ‘Glow & Behold’, were both filled with elegant soundscapes and some pretty gnarly riffing. In that respect, ‘Stranger Things’ fits perfectly within their already impeccable discography.
Opening the record ‘Hold Me Closer’ begins with warped vocals and a fuzzed up guitar riff, invading the predominantly murky track, the arrival of sizeable drum hits takes the song to unseen levels of ecstasy. Juggling clean cut beats and grandiloquently styled anthems without compromising can’t be an easy task. It is however, one that Yuck triumphs in. Even on the first listen it’s easy to imagine yourself grinning contently and singing eagerly on a sunny festival day.
Just as unkempt as the last, ‘Cannonball’ starts with more distorted vocals. Acting as the runt of the album, it lasts for barely two and a half minutes. There’s no sitting on the fence, it’s double time from the word go! Nimbly, it races along, booting a hefty chorus for good measure.
In a beautifully haunting tone, Max Bloom persistently discloses the fact that he hates himself, “I hate myself” is sung in such a convincing manor, although brilliant, hearing it umpteen times does make things feel a little melodramatic. Chill dude, you’re ace. Comfortably the worst, or rather least incredible song of the ten, ‘Stranger Things’, despite being the title track, doesn’t quite sum up the album.
Usually commanding the bass, Mariko Doi can be heard dishing out diamond cut riffs on just about every song. On ‘As I Walk Away’ she lends her gliding vocals to create a fascinating trade-off between herself and singer/guitarist Max. As one of the more leisurely songs on the LP, these vocals, accompanied with dainty guitar work make it a standout track.
Clocking in at 6:20, ‘Yr Face’ appears to be a jam session that is so bursting with creative energy it had to be the closing track. All the things that make Yuck great can be heard, a mammoth collection of ringing guitars – all of which are fuzzed up beyond belief, soaring melodies and an undeniable sense of fun.
The difficult third album? No such worry for Yuck. A wonderful collection of indie grunge goodness.
LEWIS TROTT