Quick plays: CLAP YOUR HEADS SAY YEAH, MINUS THE BEAR

February 1st, 2017 by jason

CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH The Tourist
[Release date 24.02.17]

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (CYHSY) are the brainchild of Alec Ounsworth, who writes and composes all the music, although he used a bass and drummer for the album, playing all the other instruments himself.

Alec Ounsworth has a very high pitched vocal which suits the soaring synths really well, for example on ‘Fireproof’, where there is a touch of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke in the vocal delivery.

CYHSY really do like their synths and keys, driving songs along nicely and on ‘Ambulance Chaser’ they mix a pop hook and indie rock perfectly. ‘The Pilot’ is the album’s pick for me, blissful synths weave in and out of Alec Ounsworth’s soaring vocals. Shades of XTC on ‘The Vanity Of Trying’, which like most songs on here has a breezy melody backing a more serious and personal lyric.

Takes a few listens to fully absorb the music on offer, however it is well worth it. CYHSY lead the charge into 2017 with their brand of quirky, synth led pop. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

MINUS THE BEAR Voids
Suicide Squeeze Records [Release date 03.03.17]

Minus the Bear have been around for over fifteen years now and ‘Voids’ is their sixth album to date. Musically they certainly like their instrumental breaks in songs and have some flashy musicianship, but crucially the songs lack a real hook. ‘Tame Beasts’ and ‘Call The Cops’ reminded me a little of Hard-Fi (whatever happened to them?), however unless you are already a fan not an album you really need being truthful.

Prefect listening for fellow musos, however they lack that real spark that makes you want to listen to the album over and over again. ***

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)