After three months of working on new music and recording, Yeasayer seems to be gearing for a projected fall release of its second album. But of course, since news is scant regarding this sophomore release (including from its own label) – with only breadcrumbs of information trailed throughout the web – we can only speculate what went on in Woodstock, where Yeasayer was holed up for three months this past winter.
The band found an ideal dwelling for recording this past January, isolated from civilization and surrounding themselves with Hammond organs, a complete recording studio – and from pictures posted on Yeasayer’s blog – salamanders. Since we don’t have access to a soothsayer, we have to resort to a guess of what the new album will sound like by what has been released since All Hour Cymbals.
Their latest track, “Tightrope” was included in the Red Hot charity compilation, Dark Was The Night, which dropped this past February. The harmonized vocals are gone, and the recording is less muddy as was heard in their debut. Strange monkey samples are included, which provide the West African-influenced rhythm an exotic feel. Chris Keating’s vocals are also pumped up over this four note special, increasing with intensity as the song progresses. It’s an experiment that may make fans of the band nervous or garner an even larger audience. By the sound of it, I’ll vote for the latter.
Yeasayer’s Anand Wilder discussed his complaints about All Hour Cymbals in MetroMix New York, saying, “We didn’t bring out certain sounds that were really important or leave out ones that were insignificant. What I’d like to do on the next one is leave out the extraneous noodling.” A fuller sound can be expected on this next album, with more focus on bringing up the vocal levels, and speeding the tempo of their songs. This is their second album after all, so we’ll just have to bite our tongues and wait to see how it all comes out.
Those with tickets for their upcoming tour can catch a preview of two songs to be included in the album: “Ambling Alp” and “Lovely Girl”. An official track listing is currently unavailable.
Check out “Tightrope” and make your own predictions:
Yeasayer 2009 Tour Dates:
06/06 – Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club
06/11 – Charlottesville, VA @ Outback Lodge
06/13 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music Festival
06/20 – Minneapolis, MN @ Walker Art Center (Rock the Garden)
07/14 – Northampton, MA @ Pearl Street Nightclub
07/15 – Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar
07/16 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
07/17 – Madison, WI @ UW Madison Memorial Terrace
07/18 – Chicago, IL @ Pitchfork Music Festival
07/20 – Columbus, OH @ Skully’s Music Diner
07/21 – Millvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre
08/13 – New York, NY @ Pier 54
