Photos at 2012 Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal, PQ, Canada
Photos at Headliners Music Hall in Louisville, KY on June 22nd, 2012
Photos at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY on July 29th, 2011
Photos at 2011 Sasquatch! Music Festival in George, WA
Photos at 2010 Haldern Pop Festival in Rees-Haldern, Germany
Photos at Governors Island in New York, NY on June 5th, 2010
Review at The Faversham in Leeds, U.K. on February 22nd, 2010
Photos at Bowery Ballroom in New York, NY on February 8th, 2010
Photos at 2009 Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, TX
Review at Guggenheim Museum in New York, NY on October 30th, 2009
Photos at Manchester Academy in Manchester, U.K. on October 14th, 2009
Yeasayer, arguably one of the most popular postmodern bands around, has produced a highly listenable and groovy third studio album. Though not quite reaching the extraordinary feat that was their second album, 2010’s Odd Blood (QRO review), Fragrant World is laudable for its whole, cohesive electro sound. On Odd Blood every track was just so damn listenable; now, the New York trio have pushed for a larger feel that endures from beginning to end.
In an age where electro has saturated our speakers and playlists, bombarding us with predictable beats and melodic motifs, Yeasayer walk an invigorating line between the electronic and the acoustic, taking from the best of both worlds. With no peaks or noticeable tracks for single release, the album begs for the listener’s patience, somewhat similarly to Beck’s The Information (QRO review). This is what is so refreshing about Yeasayer: they don’t treat their fans like idiots; they experiment with, or manipulate, styles so as to maintain their own interest and keep followers emotionally invested. In that sense, they are true artists, pushing the boundaries of established musical conventions.
Photos at Central Park Summerstage in New York, NY on August 4th, 2008
Photos at Brooklyn Masonic Temple in Brooklyn, NY on April 11th, 2008
Tracks such as "Fingers Never Bleed", the stunning "Henrietta", "Reagan’s Skeleton", and "Demon Road" stand out for the aforementioned qualities. Importantly, the band, despite moving forward, still harks back to past decades. On this particular record, there is a strong tie to Daft Punk, ‘80s bass lines and grooves, and even melodic patterns reminiscent of Kraftwerk, as on "Damaged Goods". This unpredictable band has managed to put together another impressive addition to their catalogue, a commendable achievement considering the limelight of an immensely successful previous release.
MP3 Stream: "Henrietta"
