By Kirstie Millar
As I was mindlessly flicking through Cds in HMV, waiting for the rain outside to gradually turn into more of a pouring, gushing downpour, as opposed the water bullets that where being shot from the sky at that current moment in time, I came across Yeah So, the new album from Sheffield’s twee, anti-folk band, Slow Club.
I knew the band had recently released a new album, and I had been listening to this bands myspace songs only a few days before. When I first listened to Slow Club’s mellow and hazy song Apples and Pairs a few months ago, I immediately loved the delicate way these two create music, and have been a massive fan ever since. So I’m sure you can imagine my delight as I picked up the last remaining album off the rack and sort of skipped to the man at the till, with my tenner in hand.
But before I even speak about the music on the album, I’d like to discuss the album itself. For a debut album, I was sort of excepting a cover sleeve with some eccentric art and then a CD inside. But I was pleasantly surprised, well to be honest, over the moon, with the actual album case itself.
On the cover is a photo of Slow Clubbers, Charles Watson and Rebecca Taylor. Inside is a collage of photos of the twos family and friends as well as little sketches and images of mementos from the bands travels. Its albums like this that make the actual act of purchasing a CD as apposed to downloading one all the more enjoyable. The attention to detail and really just the love the band put into the album is evident through the cover alone. And I’ve not even spoken about the actual music itself yet!
“If we’re not married by 22, could I be so bold and ask you?” is the first thing heard on the album, as Rebecca and Charles gently sing the line in unison along with the gentle sounds of a guitar playing as “When I Go” opens the album. It is a simple folksy song, singing of young love and obviously written from the mindset of someone looking to their future, with a bit of remorse and a bit of questioning hope. It’s a young, optimistic love song to put it simply, as are the majority of songs on the album.
If “When I Go” is the soft and sweet introduction to Yeah So then the second track “Giving Up on Love” is obviously the lively and joyous one. Although the sound is upbeat and the overall the song reminds me of a bit of a drunken sing along, the lyrics themselves are not as upbeat, as it’s about giving up on love, after all.
The entire album sort of goes back and forth between sad and sweet little songs, then more upbeat, cheerful and even silly songs. The way this album is compiled does make the album more interesting to listen to, with each track varying from the next, but all songs till being very clever, and very reflective Slow Club songs.
As the album progresses, so does the mood, as it reaches a sobering few songs, “There’s No Good Way to Say I’m Leaving You” being one of them. Charles sadly sings about a relationship and fading love, over a sad piano and a distant drum beat. “Sorry About the Doom” also falls into the category of sobering SC songs. But this time its Rebecca singing about a heartache and distance in a relationship and of course, the feelings that go along with it.
For a debut album, Slow Club have gone above and beyond what many other bands are delivering. They have been well known on the new-folk scene for quite some time now, so having this debut album of this quality released will only please their many fans, and bring in many more. The duo have quite a lot to live up to for their next album, but I’m sure they will deliver once again. The two create music in such a personal way, that you sort of find yourself wishing you where in the band, and proud of them for their accomplishments thus far.
All and all, Yeah So is a wonderful collection of witty verses, thoughtful lyrics, delicate, folksy songs about youth, life and love. Their sound is cute, but not annoying. Often poignant, but not depressing. Scratchy and raw, but not uncared about. Yeah So has by far been one of my favourite albums of 2009, maybe of all time to be honest with you. So yeah, I reckon Yeah So is worth investing in. Head down to HMV but bring an umbrella with you, until you’ve got the album on your iPod anyway, because then you’ll probably want to dance in the rain.
Yeah So
1. When I Go
2. Giving Up On Love
3. I Was Unconscious, It Was A Dream
4. It Doesn't Have To Be Beautiful
5. Because Were Dead
6. There Is No Good Way To Say I Am Leaving You
7. The Trophy Room
8. Dance 'Til The Morning Light
9. Come On Youth
10. Sorry About The Doom
11. Apples And Pairs
12. Our Most Brilliant Friends
13. Boys On Their Birthdays
