Yuck's self-titled debut defies pastiche with fuzzy guitar bashing that is propulsive, catchy, and endearing. The band's melodic core is dipped in an alt-rock sheen (think Dinosaur, Jr. and The Breeders, to name just two), and the hooks are embellished with just enough distortion to allow the hard-hitting pop songs to breathe.
In the recent nostalgia of late-era college rock and early-90s alternative, Yuck's debut stands out, hinting at future possibilities of taking venerable sounds into unheard places. The British band's arty guitar noodling on some of the spacier tracks suggest as much. Significantly, there is a sweetness to the band's approach that unpacks the angst of grunge, making the record sound more youthful, even celebratory at times. No doubt that the shared vocals by siblings Daniel and Ilana Blumberg enhance the less confrontational mood.
Highlights include opening track "Get Away," alterna-anthem "The Wall," and the perfect pick-me up "Georgia."
2 comments:
Glad to see this made the D Man's year end list. Its an excellent and quality work, but like Ashes & Fire didnt seem to give us anything "new" in 2011. Thats ok with me, because both albums were a reminder of what makes music great. Yuck has a bright future full of fuzzed out guitars and addictive hooks in front of them. I'll be looking forward to what they do next. For now, I think I'll go listen to "Operation" for the millionth time this year.
I feel you, Stark the Vinyl Shark. No doubt a great album. Wore it out during the summer.
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