Prepare yourself to travel to alternate dimensions
3/5
Wow.
My reality has never felt more violated than after listening to this album. Brooklyn-based group Yeasayer has always abided by the strange “Psychadelic/Experimental Rock” genre that they are commonly placed under, but on their upcoming sophomore album Odd Blood, the guys kick the weird factor up to a whole new level.
Though the final release date of the album is on February 9th, the album has been very near completion for quite a long while. In fact, the first single from the record (and one of my personal favorites so far) titled “Ambling Alp” was released way back in October of last year, with a (not safe for work) music video released on November 25. Less than a full month later, the entire album leaked online, which the band responded to in a Twitter post on December 10th saying “Presents are always spoiled for those who open them before they are supposed to”.
The record interestingly enough has a very prominent jazz feel to it on the whole. This doesn’t exactly come out very much in “Ambling Alp”, but tracks such as “Mondegreen” and “Strange Reunions” definitely feel the funk. There are some highly satisfying uses of techno/synths, very reminiscent of Animal Collective, as well in songs such as “I Remember” or the FANTASTIC opener “The Children”. The only complaint I have to make about the record has to do with the final track “Grizelda”, which, I’m sorry, I cannot freaking stand. Something about the main vocals and the backing instruments just doesn’t feel connected at all. I’m not too sure why, but it personally just makes me uncomfortable.
Grizelda aside, however, the album on a whole is a very fun listen to be sure. Be sure to check the group out on their forthcoming tour and to give the record a listen when you get the chance. Down below are a couple of my favorite tracks from the record— Enjoy!
Ambling Alp - Yeasayer
Thanks for reading, everybody! Also, be sure to check in later on this week for possibly the most exciting bit of news to do with this blog ever ;)
Cheers!
