(Spunk/EMI)

Clattering art-rock – Television meets Big Pig, anyone?

Yeasayer blend disembodied, echoing guitars, rumbling percussion, spookily retro synths and otherworldly harmonies to create chilly, ghoulish space rock with a veritable melting pot of influences. The intriguing stylistic blends begin immediately – opening track Sunrise is a moody pop concoction delivered in a metallic Gary Numan rasp and adding a dollop of Shock The Monkey-era Peter Gabriel and tribal percussion. There’s more pristine material too, such as the stately guitar chime of 2080 and Germs’ odd combination of theatrical ‘80s-tinged cabaret pop and the majestic doominess of Joy Division/early New Order. It’s the odd mix ‘n matches that most characterise the album – No Need To Worry, for example, combines the icy brood of Disintegration-era Cure with Beach Boys-esque multi-part harmonies. Stitching such disparate elements throughout an entire album doesn’t always work, with Yeasayer’s stylistic shifts occasionally bordering on meandering.  At its best, All Hour Cymbals displays a haunting grace, but its consistent wash of echo will render the record a tad drony and inaccessible for some.

**½

MATT THROWER

Be first to comment on this article

Write Comment
Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged.
Name:
Comment:
Code:*