Georgia – Yuck Georgia – Yuck (Free Download / Buy)

Once the creative minds behind the more clean-cut Cajun Dance Party, Daniel Blumberg and Max Bloom have since opted for the more lo-fi, Sonic Youth enhanced sound of Yuck (@yuckband). After running through their album several times, I’m certainly grateful for the shift. These London raised musicians, along with bassist Mariko Doi and drummer Jonny Rogoff, have found a unique blend of music that makes for an eclectic but cohesive self-titled album.

The full-length greets you with a wall of gritty guitar tones and distorted vocals in “Get Away” that immediately draw attention to the fantastic garage-rendered feel of the music. Layered with the grainy elements, though, are catchy, lighter riffs that provide the perfect contrast to what would otherwise be a hazy group of sounds. “The Wall”, though it lacks the same catchiness of its predecessor, has a great rhythm and melody hidden within the brash guitars. While these and other wonderfully gravelly tracks maintain a similar overall sound, each stays relevant by inserting different licks and overlaid sounds to break any monotony.

What I truly appreciate about this album is the contrast and variety of musicianship displayed. Mixed with the more callous sounding tracks are lighter, even acoustic driven numbers such as “Shook Down” and “Suicide Policeman”. These songs, intermingling more bouncy riffs and heartfelt lyrics, rely more on the actual melodies instead of tones, which are present but certainly play a lesser role. “Suck”, my favorite of the slower songs, displays this more melodic texture, incorporating a catchy guitar slide and simple tones.

Yuck, if anything, can be called a multi-dimensional group. While I anticipated a series of hurried repeats, I certainly left impressed and feeling as though I had actually experienced something. Though I certainly wouldn’t say that the 90s were an overly dramatic influence on this band, the same simple, appealing melodies are present in this music as were in the tracks I enjoyed back then.