Weekly Release Spotlight: tUnE-yArDs
Posted on 5/22/2011
tUnE-yArDs
W H O K I L L
[4AD]
W H O K I L L
[4AD]
Merril Garbus’ experimental indie rock project known as tUnE-yArDs dropped its second studio album titled w h o k i l l last month. Combining elements of R&B, hip hop, rock, and folk in her latest album, Garbus is the primary force behind the style of tUnE-yArDs. Garbus showcases her many talents such as her vigorous singing voice and aggressive drumming capabilities in the album. She takes the instrumental aspect of tUnE-yArDs a step up from her first studio record, BiRd-BrAiNs, by uniting forces with bassist Nate Brenner. Unlike her first studio release, w h o k i l l features groovy, jazzy, bass lines that add support to Garbus’ powerful musical style.
Brenner makes his presence known throughout w h o k i l l, but his work stands out in several tracks like “Powa”, “Bizness”, and “Doorstep.” In the song “Powa” he provides mellow yet prominent bass lines to back up Garbus’ melodic singing. “Bizness”, which was the only single off of w h o k i l l, is a balance of Garbus’ soulful, passionate vocals with funky bass to create a groovy jam that is worth listening to multiple times. It can be argued that “Doorstep” is the catchiest song on the album, in which Garbus sings like a soothing song bird instead of exploding into her authoritative roar of a voice. Her calming vocals float with Benner’s bass over the skittering of various percussion instruments. Brenner’s bass certainly increases the dynamics of tUnE-yArDs’ sound, but Garbus incorporates other instruments such as the saxophone in her music. For example, the song “Gangsta” features a brash, forceful saxophone that synchronizes with Garbus’ dominant singing style wonderfully.
An up and down musical journey containing the many styles of Merril Garbus, the tone of w h o k i l l fluctuates just as the capitalization of tUne-yArDs does. Each song is unpredictable and unique in its own way. Some tracks like “My Country” and “Bizness” are packed full of energy. Others such as “Doorstep” and “Wooly Wolly Gong” are low-key, but are just as powerful and captivating as the loud, commanding songs. With the help of Nate Brenner and other contributing musicians, Merril Garbus put forth a satisfying sophomore tUnE-yArDs album. The evolution of Garbus’ musical style will be interesting to follow as her career and talents continue to grow.
Brenner makes his presence known throughout w h o k i l l, but his work stands out in several tracks like “Powa”, “Bizness”, and “Doorstep.” In the song “Powa” he provides mellow yet prominent bass lines to back up Garbus’ melodic singing. “Bizness”, which was the only single off of w h o k i l l, is a balance of Garbus’ soulful, passionate vocals with funky bass to create a groovy jam that is worth listening to multiple times. It can be argued that “Doorstep” is the catchiest song on the album, in which Garbus sings like a soothing song bird instead of exploding into her authoritative roar of a voice. Her calming vocals float with Benner’s bass over the skittering of various percussion instruments. Brenner’s bass certainly increases the dynamics of tUnE-yArDs’ sound, but Garbus incorporates other instruments such as the saxophone in her music. For example, the song “Gangsta” features a brash, forceful saxophone that synchronizes with Garbus’ dominant singing style wonderfully.
An up and down musical journey containing the many styles of Merril Garbus, the tone of w h o k i l l fluctuates just as the capitalization of tUne-yArDs does. Each song is unpredictable and unique in its own way. Some tracks like “My Country” and “Bizness” are packed full of energy. Others such as “Doorstep” and “Wooly Wolly Gong” are low-key, but are just as powerful and captivating as the loud, commanding songs. With the help of Nate Brenner and other contributing musicians, Merril Garbus put forth a satisfying sophomore tUnE-yArDs album. The evolution of Garbus’ musical style will be interesting to follow as her career and talents continue to grow.
Stream: tUnE-yArDs - "Bizness"