Album Review - tUnE-yArDs - W H O K I L L
In anticipation for the Pitchfork Music Festival this afternoon in Union Park, I’ve been playing tUnE-yArDs’ sophomore album, W H O K I L L. tUnE-yArDs, the project of New England-born Merrill Garbus, shows a more listenable facet on this album than on their first, BiRd-BrAiNs, which was released only on recycled cassette tape and heavily experimental. With this album, Garbus cuts her experimental tendencies with more poppy sounds and hip-hop influences, creating a result that is a perfect summer soundtrack for the slightly more adventurous listener.
Garbus’s voice is downright androgynous, and her instrumentation focuses heavily on drum loops, electric bass, and her signature instrument – the ukulele. While these are undoubtedly an eccentric collection, it creates an African-influenced pop sound.
“Wooly Wooly Gong” is the quietest song off the album, appears to be Garbus’s attempt at a lullaby, and features her ukulele strumming more prominently than any other instrument, but for the most part the album maintains a cheerful tone.
“Bizness” is the single off the album, and sums up the whole project fairly well. With voice, drum, and ukulele loops and her vocal frequency altering between quieter singing and more aggressive shouting. The upbeat tempo and carefree melodies though make this the type of song – and album - that’s ideal for driving with the sun shining and the windows down on a summer afternoon.