Neon Musical Insight

Review by Caitlin Wittlif

Though a band’s sophomore release still occasionally gets talked about in rock-critic cliché terms, there is no denying that a second album is a good indication of the group’s growth and direction. On Yeasayer’s highly-anticipated release, Odd Blood, they expand and enhance the sounds from 2007’s All Hour Cymbals.  There is a stronger sense of direction to their songs as they create a richer experience for the listener, all the while turning up the groove, which results in both a fun and satisfying album.

Hell may not be a typical setting for a pop song, but Yeasayer takes us straight there on opening track, “The Children.” Metallic clanging from demon blacksmiths rings out over a morphed devil-voice, and the bare plinking of a piano is both menacing, and befitting of the title of the tune. Despite the dastardly vibe in the song, the “La da da” vocal line points to a something childlike – but these are no Rugrats. These are all some form of the blond antagonist from The Bad Seed; murderous, twisted souls who are out for blood, out for you. It’s a deliciously creepy opening track, and belies the sweetness and heartache throughout the rest of the album. Still, when the sad sound of horns comes in at the last minute, it somehow leads logically into the next track, “Ambling Alp.”

The perfect choice for the first single, “Ambling Alp” has an 80s vibe, but unlike some of the other throwback tunes on the record, this one doesn’t feel dated; merely influenced. It’s catchy, and the melody is anthemic with lyrics everybody can get behind:  “Stick up for yourself, son” is the kind of thing you want blasting in your ears when you run up the steps of Philadelphia’s Museum of Art. It’s the kind of song with urgency in it, the kind that makes you want to run, dance, live. Even the synth riff at the end sounds like something important has been accomplished. Uplifting and fun, it’s one of the best tracks on the record.

“Madder Red” is another. Yeasayer is incredibly talented at creating big spaces in their songs, and perhaps nothing feels more massive than “Madder Red.” The echoing beginning and deep drums are entrancing, and when the melody comes in, it takes a different direction than might be expected, which is refreshing. The jagged guitars during the song’s pre-chorus fit its somber mood, as the background vocals try to counter with sweetness. The song seals the deal lyrically; it is sad, brutal and honest.

“Please don’t ask me why/I turn away just when you want me/And I know that home is where you want me/There’s not much for me there… It’s getting hard to keep pretending I’m worth your time.”  It is simultaneously the thing you never want to hear, but the thing you’d wish someone would be brave enough to say.

To counter the sadness of the last song, Yeasayer follows with the love song “I Remember.” It opens with an 8-bit-influenced, sparkly electronic riff that Chris Keating’s voice matches in beautiful, soft falsetto. The song imitates the adrenaline rush you have when you see someone you’re swooning for; it is fresh, youthful, and innocent. The drum and piano breakdown just around two minutes into the song is a great way to break it up, and one can already imagine raised fists in rhythm at a live performance.

Where other songs on the album just have an 80’s pop undertone, “O.N.E” is a full-out Boy George tribute. With tropical rhythms and a nice pre-chorus breakdown, this is a fun dance song that stands above others. Where rave music tends to drone on, this song is an ever changing electronically influenced party song, good for the dance floor or the living room in your pajamas. The chorus reminds me of an Aretha Franklin declaration of independence:  “No, you don’t move me anymore/And I’m glad that you don’t/‘Cause I can’t take it anymore.”

Still, it would seem that Yeasayer is not impervious to going a bit “rave” on us: “Love Me Girl” is a pretty static 90s-esque dance song, with the occasional Amazonian bird cry thrown in. The best parts of this song occur whenever Keating’s staccato’d, rhythmic vocals come in, taking the song from 90s-rave to 00s-Of Montreal.

“Rome” explores what would happen if a DJ mashed up Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” with a song from the video game Crash Bandicoot. The results are a bit cartoonish and comical, but in a good way. The synthy bass line and horns mixed with the chipmunk vocals give it that great Man Man sensibility, full of enjoyable craziness.

The subtle “Strange Reunions” focuses less on a complex melody, and more on effects, like hand-claps and strange synthesized sitar. Its mellow mood is completely broken on the next track, “Mondegreen,” which is the exact opposite – frantic, paranoid, and chaotic. The drumbeats feel disparate and scattered, and it’s all a little too maddening.  There is a vague Michael Jackson vibe in the song; not in the music, but the paranoia feels a definite nod to songs like “Billie Jean” and “Smooth Criminal.” In the end, Jackson seems to handle his anxiety more accessibly than Yeasayer; “Mondegreen” is too close to headache-inducing to be enjoyable.

Still, the group ends on a very strong note. “Grizelda” feels like an ode to a fierce warrior woman. Its slower speed makes it seem reverential and royal, and the “ah la la” background vocals are simultaneously prettily delicate and sadly forewarning. You feel transported to Grizelda’s death sentence, watching her walk, hands bound, to meet the chopping block. Despite it all, it is as if everyone in attendance secretly admires her. It is a well-crafted song that balances these two emotions, loathing and esteem, perfectly.

Odd Blood is a fascinating album, with haunting melodies, that rejoices in living, energy and heartache. It deals with everyday struggles in ways you can dance to, and creates strange characters you’ll want to get to know with frequent listens. Most of all, like going from Seurat to Pollock, it takes the airy songs from the last album and bursts them wide open, revealing layers upon layers of sound used to their best effects.  In Hell or on Earth, Yeasayer can rock you.

***. / ***** 3.5 out of 5