Of the mellow tracks, things slow down with the moody, atmospheric “Skeletons,” which layers slowly, ending with a huge crescendo that builds and builds before ending abruptly and softly, much how it started. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs give a nod to piano ballads with “Runaway,” which features Karen’s plaintive vocals in front of some piano tinkling, then adding beautiful backings from a cello (played by Greg Kurstin and Jane Scarpantoni, respectively). “Little Shadow” is the final track on the album, and while at times the song is slow to the point of dragging, it’s mellow and lulling.
The two tracks I could do without are “Dull Life,” which I found very harsh (guitars) and sharp (Karen seems to be yelling more than singing), and “Shame and Fortune,” which builds on drums and loud guitar buzzing, but doesn’t have much in the way of a melody or lyrics (once the guitar devolved into noise, I lost interest).
“Hysteric”, my favorite track from It’s Blitz, is a mid-tempo ballad that brings out the best in Karen’s vocals, while the keyboard and guitar don’t struggle for attention so much as slide in and out of the background, slipping between the lyrics seamlessly.
There’s plenty to like about It’s Blitz!, and fans of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs should check it out. For those unfamiliar with the band, the album has hints of classic New Order, Blondie, and the Pet Shop Boys, as well as indie rock/pop darlings Tegan and Sara.
Article comments
1 - Jordan Richardson
Such a great album! One of the year's best, easily.