The Yeah Yous - Looking Through You

So said the sinister, musical malcontent, having slithered menacingly from emotional depths, mouth watering with Pavlovian predictability at the mere suggestion of the notions 'infectious' and 'pop' being uttered in close proximity. Linking the pair to the exuberant Mika in terms of sound and pending popularity, as well as via pop-purveying producer Greg Wells, further inspires a knee-jerk cast-off.

The noting of first impressions is important here. Under scrutiny is an album that will, first and foremost, be known for its on the spot accessibility.

Similar to the attachment of a virus to the host cell, material on Looking Through You sticks aggressively to innards without warning. Upon reaching the third chorus, listeners will find themselves atop a roof, bellowing every syllable of the ultra-cheery and addictive single Getting Up With You, wondering how you managed the ladder amid a piano-driven melody so satisfying and memorable.

Perhaps the smirk and eye-roll-inducing existence of enough layered harmonies to choke a goat, the awkward use of synthesized steel drums as the bridge approaches and flat-out cornball lyrics provided sufficient opportunity to focus on the rungs.

These drawbacks recur too often, seemingly stemming from an apparent need to exude overwhelming quirkiness. Interestingly enough, whilst not partaking in crazily slanted stances or reversed films depicting fish and chips consumption, lyrics like those in lead single 15 Minutes were penned.

The track shows the pair, at least on this selection, offering a humble perspective. In this case it's on the fleeting period of stardom that surely awaits them - it would seem Robbie Williams egos may not be on the docket this time.

Ultimately, it's difficult not to forgive the missteps, given how easy it is to simply delight in the enjoyable tunes, even if chordal and vocal progressions do tend to run together as the album boogies on. Surely, reliance on the catalogues of Queen, Keane, The Beach Boys, The Police and various other rhyming, semi-agreeable forerunners, helped shape a sound rather easy, if not somewhat grating, on the ears.

All in all, The Yeah Yous (that's better) is a rather fun release deserving neither staunch, immediate rejection nor instant ascension into record heaven, but certainly a shimmy or two.

And so, with prejudices cast aside and dance shoes securely tied, the grouch retreats, crestfallen, to his cave to brood. Some Morrissey will do well to cure what ills him. Later, though - the summer sun's still peaking through the clouds.

Tweet Comments