As the rain comes down outside, Yeasayer seem to be the most appropriate accompaniment. From the explosive and joyous opening track, Sunrise, to the hypnotic chanting finale, (Red Cave), this album is an incredibly enjoyable journey. The music on All Hours Cymbals bursts to life, causing the dark clouds to flee to somewhere else - at least for the next forty-seven minutes.
Most of what makes Yeasayer so damn enjoyable is their continual aim to drown the listener in layers upon layers of sound. This technique, also effectively applied by Spencer Krug with his Sunset Rubdown work, not only breaths life into each song but also ensures repeat listens, upon the desire of discovering something previously missed.
Yeasayer's musical strength exists in their delicate fusion of obvious Middle Eastern influences and thick slabs of overpowering harmonies. The resulting sound is beautifully psychotic and completely engaging. The occasional dark edges to their sound, such as the haunting Wait For The Wintertime, which sees the trademark choir of voices morph into a more forceful presence, are contrasted by the lighter side, such as with 2080, which explodes with optimism and hope. For the most part this is how the album chooses to play, sticking it's head out into the warmth of the sunshine, but still happy to stay partly in the colder shadows.
The fact that it's impossible to pinpoint the sound of this album is also a true recognition of not only it's originality but also it's expressive nature. The experience of each song can change from day to day, with elements considered positive and uplifting on one occasion revealing feelings of vulnerability and fragility on another.
As the final song of All Hours Cymbals trails away into the distance the temptation of pressing repeat is far too strong to fight. After all, it would be nice to keep those menacing dark clouds away for just a little while longer.
mike(punch)
Jonny Yes Yes
Sean
Wayne
flukazoid
Aaaaron
quack
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Great review Jonny
This album is complete win, from start to finish. What a incredible debut to lob out there from out of nowhere...
April 17, 2008 at 01:58