Yeasayer
Odd Blood
(Secretly Canadian)

I don’t get it. I can grasp the art noise and unbalanced approach to create something unique but when that creation can be easily duplicated by my two year old son, the approach is not that fresh. Case in point, the monotonous lead-off track, “The Children” with its cling-clang percussion and vocals run through a computerized filter. Barring that opener, the album’s first single, “Ambling Alp” is much more palatable as Chris Keating’s vocals, when not altered electronically, remind of indie-great, AC Newman, (New Pornographers). Warm sentiments of independence are the theme of the track’s chorus as Keating sings “Stick up for yourself son. Never mind what anybody else does”, with the conviction of a caring parent. Yeasayer embraces the ‘80s MTV set on “Madder Red”, crossing Tears for Fears and UB40 without the tackiness. A trippy “I Remember” with twinkling keyboard embellishments and Keating’s range overemphasize the record’s synth-pop feel. Those qualities are further evident on the following “O.N.E” which will have you breaking out the parachute pants and hitting the Top 40 dance floor. The intro to “Love Me Girl” can easily be mistaken for Pet Shop Boys before it breaks into a disjointed funk affair. ‘Odd Blood’ does show some consistency after the first track with plenty of nods towards the ‘80s via electronic and synthesizer-based pop. Just not my cup of tea.

-James


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