The YMD

Residing in the overlap section on the Love HipHop, Love Underground Rock Venn diagram has always been pretty niche but this Philadelphia Vegan duo seem like they might be the ones to finally take up where Licensed to Ill left off. The YMD is short for Yah Mos Def, a name which doubles as a mission statement: merging punkers Yah Mos and actor / rapper Mos Def. Sadly the latter didn't see the funny side and petitioned myspace for the removal of their original page.

Their production is pretty rough and ready but then with the punk ethos what would you expect? While it's fun to spot the Bikini Kill and Minor Threat samples this isn't just one of the punk anoraks, they are bringing the party, check out the clips if you want proof. What they lack in rapping talent, they make up for in enthusiasm and humour. If you ever wanted to hear someone flowing over Marquee Moon then the YMD are your boys.

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

Bon Iver (a deliberate misspelling of the French for "good winter") is the current recording name of Justin Vernon. Having split from his band DeYarmond Edison and presumably a girl named Emma, he retreated to a remote cabin in Wisconsin for 4 snowy months where he wrote and recorded this album. The remoteness and isolation of the recording process is reflected in the feel of the songs. Vernon's voice is generally accompanied by simple guitar parts with occasional drum patterings, creating an overall mood of loss and icy solitude. The vocals are the most arresting thing about the record as the hushed, multi-tracked falsetto is often used as an instrument. The sound of his voice is reminiscent of TV on the Radio's Tunde Adebimpe but it is in no way derivative. As it has very few sharp edges there is a risk that the music could be seen as bland, however, the song structures develop naturally and Vernon has an ability to create memorable hooks from very simple phrases. The album is also short enough to not outstay it's welcome. If you always wished that Bill Callaghan's voice was just a bit higher this might be the album for you.

For Emma, Forever Ago is released in the UK on 4ad, 12th May
Bon Iver is supporting Iron & Wine at the Ritz, 13th May

Haiku Review. No. 3

I saw a darkness
Didn't look so dark in spring.
Go away happy

Boris, Ruby Lounge, Monday 21 April 2008