The evolution of Yuck’s sound has shifted from fuzz-caked vocals to dream-pop alt-rock and everything in between. On their recently released LP, Stranger Things, the quartet adopts a 90s influenced lo-fi sound with chunky guitar riffs and distorted vocals. Because the album is a compilation of different sounds, there’s that perfect lack of cohesiveness that makes the album sound completely…Yuck-y.
The album’s two singles keep with that same lo-fi sound that’s present throughout the majority of Stranger Things. “Hold Me Closer” and “Cannonball” combine Mariko Doi’s fuzzy bass with Max Bloom’s far away vocals to bring a pair of disheveled tunes that are instantly cool, but without trying too hard.
The loudness to these two tracks is juxtaposed by the softness of “As I Walk Away” and “Down,” two of the album’s lighter tracks. New territory for Yuck, these songs feature fragile harmonies that are surrounded by Bloom’s glowing guitar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9ZBqDyyDm8
At the intersection of both sounds, concluding track “Yr Face” touches on a shoegazey vibe with distorted guitars and obscured vocals. The song closes with a grungy guitar solo and a gauzy melody that brings the album to a sublime conclusion.
Stranger Things was released February 26, 2016 through Fat Possum Records
