tUnE-yArDs: w h o k i l l

tUnE-yArDs
w h o k i l l
4AD Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Creative, unique and stellar sophomore album from tUnE-yArDs!

Album Review:
Once in awhile, there are albums that come along and cross genres, defy expectations and offer something that you have never quite heard before. tUnE-yArDs, aka Merrill Garbus, sophomore record whokill is just one of those albums. It successfully blends jazz, Afro-pop, funk, rock, R&B, house and folk all into one complete and complex experience that has peaks, valleys and plenty of artistic statements. With that said, it might be easy to dismiss tUnE-yArDs as too arty, too big for itself or just plain too hyped but that is where the stylistic vocals of Garbus comes into play. She makes this record what it is. You could put a thousand different vocals in front of this project and w h o k i l l would be overlooked, discarded and maybe even hated. Her catchy voice has power and control but its confidence is the main ticket. Garbus throws caution to the wind as she can tunefully rhyme, holler at the top of her lungs or deliver the most pleasant siren like vocals you have ever heard. It is this diversity that mixes with the album's ever changing musical environment that gives tUnE-yArDs a critically hailed venture here. Lyrically, Garbus does not hold back either as her songs cover violence, race and gender issues. This makes each of the ten tracks purpose beyond their catchiness. All of this combines for a 41 minute ride that is completely unique and one that really gets better after you spin it again. Even if tUnE-yArDs is not necessarily your style, w h o k i l l still has the power to earn your respect and that is the enjoyment in this record because something this fresh is always welcomed in the current musical scene!

Key Tracks: "Riotriot", "Bizness", "My Country"

Bands With Similar Fire:
M.I.A.
Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
Björk

tUnE-yArDs Website
tUnE-yArDs MySpace
tUnE-yArDs Facebook
4AD Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony