He’s got shaky gums and a couple of loose “tooths”
Why? is a band that exists in the murky world somewhere in between rap, indie rock, and electronic music.
The atmospherics and textures painted within the songs on their latest album, Alopecia, are a rare and bizarre feat: oddly melodic yet equally dissonant, lovely piano refrains one moment, electric guitar and thick, syrupy beats the next. It’s a bit of a head-trip to listen to.
Lyrically and musically, the album culminates with the triumverance (yes, I know that’s not a real word) of songs you see here. The apex is “the Hollows,” a dark tale of paranoia and uncomfortable experiences in various locales, including the seedier areas of Berlin. The track pulses and throbs (not unlike some of the reference points in the song itself), as frontman Yoni Wolf’s backing band takes centre stage with probably the rockingest song on here. Electric guitar bursting forth, chiming through the clatter of drum rolls, female backing vocals, tambourine, and subtle bass.“These Few Presidents” and “Song of the Sad Assassin” serve as lighter counterpoints to it’s gravity, two of the most beautiful cuts. The former offers a twist on a typical indie-rock tune, making it unmistakably Why? — though that really has more to do with Wolf’s vocals than anything. Moreover, it offers what is unequivocally the record’s most beautiful moment, the lamentageous refrain of, “Even though I haven’t seen you in years/Yours is a funeral I’d fly to from anywhere.” “Song of the Sad Assassin” is one of the more piano-heavy offerings from this album as well as one that sees Wolf singing a bit more. It’s a nice refresher on the sound of previous LP Elephant Eyelash.
Sometimes it’s nice to try out new music that’s more than a sugary confection, something that buries it’s most accessible rewards beneath an avalanche of multiple listens. Alopecia is a left-field treat that offers plenty to someone who doesn’t break out in hives at the simple thought of non-traditional instrumentation and performance
Why? is out on Anticon, and will be for all time.
iTunes: EP’s and albums freely available in a restrictive digital medium!
anticon.: This links to Alopecia but previous releases are linked on the side as well.
Why? - These Few Presidents [3:04m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Why? - The Hollows [3:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Why? - Song Of The Sad Assassin [4:13m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
