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Covering more genres than you can shake a stick at, Yeasayer has proven to be one of the most revolutionary and creative bands to emerge in quite awhile. Offering the kind of music that one can only stand doe-eyed and shake their head upon. Their new album Odd Blood picks up right where their first release left off. A more poppy and dancy version of All Hour Cymbals, the tracks within Odd Blood are incredibly upbeat, the choruses huge, the recognizable beat patterns of Yeasayer still very recognizable.
Fans of Yeasayer probably remember being absolutely floored when first hearing All Hour Cymbals, and Odd Blood is no exception. An incredibly diverse array of textured songs ranging from poppy to earthy and tribal, a spectrum of songs ranging from the dirt to the heavens. Opening with a patchwork of music titled “The Children”, the album begins with an almost incomprehensible babble of muffled vocals, triumphant background and some pretty killer pianos. The widely released “Ambling Alp” presents an infinitely viral beat coupled with a serene chorus and ambiance. After being swept away by “Ambling Alp”, the listener is thrown directly into a heavenly sounding, multi-layered “Madder Red”. Odd Blood is unrelenting, each song dynamic and unlike anything you’ve ever heard.
Old Blood is beautiful, divergent from All Hour Cymbals, yet just as creative. Maintaining the brilliance of their first release while being more catchy, the album is perfect for fans of Yeasayer and more palatable to newcomers. Tracks such as “I Remember” and “One” reveal a romantic side to the album. Synthesized beats and beautiful content offer deep subject matter with music that is upbeat, danceable, perfect. Without becoming too hung up on incorporating trends within the independent vein, Odd Blood takes big beats, folk influence, and plenty of psychedelia to create a surreal atmospheric album that will not disappoint.
During the latter half of the album, the moody and halcyon music will simply take you away. Starting with the “what the fuck is going on in the background” instrumentals of “Strange Reunions”, progressing to the spacey and catchy “Modegreen”, and finishing strong with the strange folk lullaby of “Grizelda”, Odd Blood is definitely strange, diverse, and damn near perfect. Covering more ground and genres than any release of 2010 thus far, Yeasayer is about to release a chunk of indie rock gold. Prepare to be sucked in after only one listen.
