By Amy Marino
With the release of their third album last Tuesday, “Fragrant World,” Yeasayer has managed to recreate themselves, yet maintain their psychedelic electronic and Middle Eastern sound sensation their fans crave.
For those who have not heard of Yeasayer, they can be compared to bands like Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear or Local Natives. “Fragrant World” marks their third musical masterpiece in five years. Yeasayer has successfully created each album to stand on its own with new and unconventional sounds that keep fans on their toes.
“Fragrant World”is the most unexpected and fresh sound Yeasayer has released in an album yet. Unlike lead singer Chris Keating’s usual shriek-like voice, he brings it down to a cool and fluid decibel that is immediately noticeable in the riveting opening song, “Fingers Never Bleed,” giving the album a cooler tone compared to their 2010’s release “Odd Blood.”
The new and more relaxed sounds may lead to fans craving the “old” Yeasayer at first, but once finished listening to “Fragrant World” in its entirety, it becomes impossible to not want to listen again. Each song tells a different story and takes you on a ride comprised of twists and turns that has hints of dubstep, that will throw you off – in a pleasant way.
Lyrically, the album is a broad spectrum. For example, “Henrietta” – Keating’s favorite track, as reported by SPIN – was inspired by the extraordinary research case concerning Henrietta Lacks, whose rare form of cancer gave her a role in helping create vaccines like the polio vaccine and whose cells are currently still in use despite her death. “Longevity” encourages a carpe diem mentality with lyrics like, “Live in the moment, never count on longevity.” Also, Yeasayer shows their political side with “Reagan’s Skeleton” by pinpointing republicans and “Fingers Never Bleed,” which takes a dig at Wall Street.
Although each song catches a listener’s attention, unlike past albums, each song also seems to flow into the next, making “Fragrant World” the most consistent album Yeasayer has released yet.
“Fragrant World” is a testimony to Yeasayer’s growth and maturity as a band. They have taken the musical leap of possibly letting down fans with their new smoother, yet more eclectic sound in the name of furthering their music, which is really what being great musicians is all about. In purchasing “Fragrant World,” listeners will truly be taken to a different world that emits alluring and almost dream-like sound qualities that leave a fragrance of determination.
