REVIEW: Years & Years – “Y & Y EP”
Years & Years are back with their second EP, a follow up to 2014’s album, “Real”. This EP carries the essential elements of synth pop, with incredibly danceable beats and choruses that are bursts of energy. The group is turning heads on both sides of the pond, and there’s a reason for that.
The opening track, “Desire” gives you a sense of what you’re about to experience, with hypnotizing, rollercoaster vocals, and just enough amounts of effects that don’t really detriment from singer Olly Alexander‘s natural talent. “Take Shelter” is armed with a dancehall-esque beat and even more effective harmonies.
The tempo picks up on “King”, with a whirlwind of claps, snares and synths. It’s purely a club song from the moment it starts. Things close out with “Memo”, a melodic track with the addition of the ever-present digital drums and claps to remind you that it’s still a pop record. ‘s vocals compliment a grand piano well, but a synthesizer break feels a bit out of place in the middle of the song. In context, however, it’s the EP’s only real glaring misstep. It’s not too bad, but just takes away from the rest of the song’s feel.
All things considered, this is a fun, bouncy pop EP. Undoubtedly, it will be blaring in clubs around the world. A great effort from the group, and I’m sure we’ll get even more in the near future. Check out the “Y & Y EP” below:
