The uber successful three piece dubbed ‘British electronica’ band Years and Years have released their chart topping album ‘Communion’ which has already scooped the number 1 spot following in the footsteps of hit single ‘King’ and ‘Shine’ which placed 2nd on the UK chart, both of which feature on the album.
The first single to hit the top 40 was ‘Desire’ which peaked at 22 back in December, this was surprisingly actually their 5th single released. Which just goes to show what hard work and determination can do, it may have taken them 5 singles but these boys have continuously learnt about the industry and themselves, stepped up their game and reaped the awards (literally, as winners of the 2015 MTVU Artist to watch and BBC Sound of 2015.)
The boys fit perfectly into today’s charts with the current focus, interest and popularity of electronica music as well as the return of a 90s, almost R&B vibe. Packed full of their signature electro pop pieces such as ‘Red’,‘Ties’ and ‘Gold’ which all have that nostalgic Years and Years sound, reminding us of our game boying youth! We also see a different side to the synth produced commercial songs that have so far hit the charts as Years and Years share with us a collection of slower melodic, piano accompanied tunes where the boy’s traditional harmonies and spacey sounds are stripped back with a minimalistic backing track seen in ‘Foundation’, ‘Without’, ‘Memo’ and my favourite from the track list ‘Eyes Shut’.
Frontman Olly Alexander has a vocal pitch he works with that like Adele, Sam Smith (and many other vocalists) knows exactly where his sweet vocal spot is and where his voice sounds best, although higher than many male vocalists, Olly nails each and every song on the album and has really put a stamp on the band’s unique sound. Plus we are loving the very British accent which has stuck around and not given way to any American twang.
The album also makes you appreciate the structuring of the songs, using their production skills as well as musical knowledge the boys often begin their tracks with very minimal sound and maybe one instrument before bringing in a clapping beat which steadily builds before breaking into the energy of the chorus. A great technique and design used by the band to capture the essence of the lyrics and also the attention of the listener. Well I’m hooked, the band tick a lot of boxes when it comes to music (catchy, versatile, great production, stand out vocals and of course handsomely good looks) and I want to keep hearing this British band in the charts for years and years to come!
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Happy listening!
Lexie
xxx