Four LPs in four years is no mean feat. Some of the best long standing Australian bands still don’t have that many albums, and yet Sydney siders, Yes I’m Leaving , have just realised their fourth LP since 2010. One could easily go down the path of cynicism in a case like this, sighting uncertainty and desperation as the motivator for churning out the work. Instead we’d like to suggest that these guys have a lot to say and aren’t afraid to share it with the rest of us.
Powerful, gritty, and grungy dissonance at it’s best. Yes I’m Leaving know how to lock you in their tight grasp- they’re not leaving without a fight.
The latest offering from this dirty outlet of pure noise is a literal orgy of dissonance, never has a three-piece punk cacophony felt so good. Long time fans will find plenty to love; tortured vocals, ear grating guitar and bass lines like a punch in the stomach. For those new to the band, after listing to Yes I’m Leaving’s new LP Slow Release (Homeless Records) you won’t have to lie awake at nights wondering what it would be like if someone hit you in the face with a bass guitar.
The album begins with One, an enticing jam with driving drums and an alluring bass groove. This track slowly introduces the bands signature combination of jarring vocals and edgy guitars before tapering off….giving way to Puncher, a beast of distorted bass and the laboured screams a garage rocker.
Salt is one of those bizarre earworms, I’m not really sure why I like it so much but it begs to be heard again and again and again. It might be the jarring rhythm, played by all the instruments in unison, or the eerie guitar screeching or maybe even the way it unnerving swells to a chaotic conclusion. I don’t really care what makes it so good, I just want to hear it again.
As a whole, Slow Release has a surprising level of polish for an album that maintains its lo-fi edge. Many of the tracks border on being a wall of noise, but due to the band’s experience, they manage to tread this line without becoming tired or annoying.
Since dropping the video for Fear early last month the trio have been menacing any venue that will give them a stage, and will most likely be violating a venue near you as part of their album tour. Live dates below.
Saturday 11th October – The Catfish, Melbourne
Monday 13th October – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
Saturday 18th October – Ancient World, Adelaide
Friday 24th October – The Imperial Hotel, Sydney
Saturday 25th October – The Phoenix, Canberra
Saturday 1st November – The Underdog, Brisbane
Sunday 2nd November – Beetle Bar, Brisbane
Saturday 8th November – Beatdisc Records, Parramatta
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