Album Review: Yeasayer - Fragrant World

Brooklyn's psychedelic pop outfit, Yeasayer, are back with their third (and highly anticipated) album Fragrant World, the follow-up to 2010's Odd Blood, which first brought them to the attention of the mainstream. Their latest effort is sure to propel them further into music stardom with an addictive collection of catchy riffs and melodies set alongside captivating vocals, all produced by the band themselves and mixed by Dan Carey.

Opener and best track on the album by far, Fingers Never Bleed, is what Yeasayer do best – synths, marching effects and a melancholic, emotive verse that springs to life when singer Chris Keating's vocals raise into a pop chorus that lifts the soul. Things move into a more '90s R&B vibe for Longevity and the first single released from the album, Henrietta, offers a funked up love song that sinks into a haunting breakdown with beautifully harmonised vocals as Keating sings: “Oh Henrietta/We can live on forever.” Demon Road is another outright winner, taking inspiration from the likes of Erasure with a simple beat, quirky sounds and uplifting chorus that gives you shivers and gets stuck in your head. Folk Hero Shtick is taking things to the other end of the scale with folk guitar riffs and strings that sound like they're straight out of a Simon & Garfunkel number.

In contrast, there are some punchier tracks on the album that have a dark, electronic edge including Devil And The Deed, which uses some really interesting synths and computer game-sounding effects and Reagan's Skeleton. Closer Glass Of The Microscope takes a lead from the ethereal intros of The xx and is the perfect way to finish up. Another big triumph and affirmation that Yeasayer continue to deliver track after perfectly crafted track.