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| Courtesy of sterno_inferno, Merrill Garbus |
The experimental solo act tUnE-yArDs is the creation of the surreal, memorable, neon face-paint wearing Merrill Garbus. An intriguing artist who may require some patience for listening, Garbus lets you into her mystical world which isn't necessarily as joyous and carefree as it may first appear.
The New England inspiration released her anticipated follow-up to her entirely dictaphone-recorded debut BiRd-BrAiNs last Spring. Great pressure loomed over Garbus to live up to her heart-warming first full release. Its cosy atmosphere was taken in by many; so she suprised, but still delighted, with her more upbeat and genre-expanding w h o k i l l s. Initially attempting to record again on a dictaphone, Garbus struggled to find the appropriate sound so off to the studio she went.
Her enigmatic lo-fi use of drum loops, vocals and ukelele soon combined with funky guitar riffs, synths, brass, and a new band member. Album-crossover-defining bassist Nate Brenner was pivotal in providing a heavier, more complete sound. With a crowd of instruments often used at any one time, the bass proved to be the backbone of the record.
A quick drum loop entices you into the album with 'My Country' where Garbus expresses her doubts over her future with the US. Her overlapping monkey-like noises, shouted vocals, upbeat percussion and overpowering synths create a powerful jungle-like feel as the various vocal panning gives the impression of numerous animals expressing their views.
The funky guitar and drums play their part to a soulful mix of soft vocals of conversation, with discordant sounds emphasising the laid-backness approach to the song. The siren-into-drum-loop opening for 'Gangsta' seems to relatively simple, however, the distorted synths of sirens scream out the treacherous, stimulating life of the 'Gangsta'. The pause for drum smashing outbreaks releases the aimless gunshots and violence contrasting to the faint, happy voices of the family.
'Powa', a relaxed, reggae inspired track has vocals that seem to resonate those of Sting. Garbus describes her unusual dream of making love to the policeman who had arrested her brother in 'Riotriot'. Her extraordinary use of range continues as the gradual build-up of sounds eventually climax with a 'riot' explosion of noise frenzy. A lyric towards the end defines the no-longer-virgin rioter; 'There is a freedom in violence that I don't understand / And like I've never felt before'.
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| Courtesy of sterno_inferno, Merrill Garbus |
The hypnotic layers beginning 'Bizness' enchant and becomes intensified when Garbus screams her plead; 'Don't take my life away'. The pandemonium of sounds is complete once the brass make their voices heard; it's difficult for your ears not to remain captivated.
'Doorstep' is soft and comforting with light harmonised vocals and easy percussion rhythms. Tempo changes with funky-rhythmed 'You Yes You' and care-free reassuring lyrics; 'Now that everything is gonna' be okay'. Haunting lullaby 'Wooly Wolly Gong' proves shouting is not always needed as she utilises her highly-pitched vocals beautifully. Perhaps the most abstract track is album closer 'Killa' where a carnival of up-tempo sounds and M.I.A.-style vocals rightly end a generally upbeat and optimistic LP.
w h o k i l l s certainly mesmerizes with moments but it needs time and concentration to be truly appreciated. With tUnE-yArDs touring the world this year it may be time to see how the unique compositions are represented on stage.
Rating: 8/10
Visit tUnE-yArDs' official website here.
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