ALBUM REVIEW: Yuck – ‘Stranger Things’

Yuck Stranger Things

yuck stranger things

Yuck’s prickly and aggressive sound, showcased by their first two LPs, has drawn comparison to the likes of Dinosoar Jr, Pavement, Sonic Youth, and The Jesus and Mary Chain; they are part of a modern reinvention of the shoegaze and indie/noise-rock scenes of the 1990s. One description of their style comes from the opening line of the band’s debut album, as the track ‘Get Away’ rolls into life with: “Break it down and then break it up again, Me and my guitar drowning down and down”. This is apt for a band  who generates a thickness of sound through more of everything; more guitar, more distortion, and more layers to “break up” an impressive wall of noise.

After touring their self-titled debut, Yuck parted with frontman Daniel Blumberg and with new guitarist Ed Hayes joining the original rhythm section of  Mariko Doi and Jonny Rogoff, Max Bloom took a promotion  to lead vocals. As the revised line-up’s first outing, 2013’s Glow and Behold proved a significant lunge into new creative territory. In circumstances that may have seen the end of less resilient groups, Yuck put out an album distinct from their first with brighter melodies and reduced aggression. This transition was not seamless as many criticised the record for being one dimensional, stuck in a lethargic mid-range gear. Without the contrast to energetic and high tempo tracks, it was difficult to appreciate the quality of the gentler ones. Whilst this may have been partly due to pressures of budget and time, in a recording process far more sophisticated than had been used previously, it highlighted some of the uncertainties that Bloom had admitted feeling in his new role.

Now, having changed label, Yuck have moved back to a more lo-fi approach for their third full length record. Entirely self-produced from within a house in London, the new-look Yuck continue from where they left off with their last outing. The record is ingrained in the simple structure that has come to characterise the band and where they may have previously seemed to imitate rather than draw upon their influences, Stranger Things shows the band breaking from the mould.

The record opens with two of its more high octane tracks. Although still lacking in the level of bite that the debut offered, ‘Hold Me Closer’ and ‘Cannonball’ kick the album off with energy and verve. They carry a resemblance to Californian teen skate culture and show a variation from the rest of the LP, that was lacking in Glow and Behold.

Beyond the initial couple of tracks, the record shifts gear to a comparatively slower pace. This sets the tone for the remainder and, while there are rises and falls in pace both within and between tracks, the most memorable songs of the album are more mellow. This is very much a continuation of the direction indicated by the previous record and, since these are the standout songs, this step has clearly been a success.

‘Like a Moth’ replaces gritty chords with plucked, sugary, guitar riffs for a softer texture. Building up and falling away on multiple occasions it is sophisticated and soothing, even offering a rare opportunity for a chorus of backing vocals.

My favourite sequence in the tracklisting is the closing five songs, which carry a strong continuity and are suitably climactic – a natural set closer. Exemplifying the contrasts of the record, the tracks vary from ethereal  soundscapes in ‘As I Walk Away’ and busy Strokes-esque chiming guitar in ‘Hearts in Motion’ to the distorted and chunky ‘Yr Face’, which mirrors the finale of their first album, ‘Rubber’.

Overall Stranger Things is extremely enjoyable. Taking the same approach as Glow and Behold it is executed with greater quality and stands as a more complete piece of work. Holding onto the same light-hearted  appeal, Yuck has produced a record which maps across an assortment of styles and  tempos, answering many of the critics of their last LP. Having said that, the album will do little to comfort those who found the new direction to be disappointingly tame in comparison to their first offering.

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