If we are looking for bands who used internet to their advantage, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah would be at the top of the list of those who utilized web in the initial stages of their career. If we are looking for bands who did not know how to obtain generated hype, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah would again be at the top of the list. If we are looking for a band who recorded one of the most mediocre albums of 2017, guess who would be at the top of the list?
It is hard to believe how much have Clap Your Hands Say Yeah sinked since their debut was spreading over the internet like dengue did after Sri Lankan floods. Pardon my comparison. That debut was a pure indie, and now, twelwe years later, I am left wondering what had happened to that band who upheaved alternative scene.
They have paved the way and attracted attention, but as many other before them, they just didn't know how to maintain interest of the public. Following the debut we got a streak of average albums with so-so songs, and the situation doesn't change with their fifth album The Tourist. A dose of dreamy synths serves as a substitute for sleeping pills, so I highly suggest you put this record on your playlist before going to bed.
Alec Ounsworth is the only constant of the band, and now it's obvious that his muse broke up with him after he used her for repetitive purposes. No matter If he is releasing solo, under a band, or under some third name, Alec's inspiration is not written in the stars anymore. Now he is into making mediocre tunes that are desperately trying to follow current trends.
The Tourist is comprised of dreamy melodies influenced by the works of Elbow, Doves and Sigur Ros, but contrary to richness in these bands' music, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah just spin the same melodic theme over and over again until the listener is dizzy and forced to fall asleep.
The intro with The Pilot does not even sound bad. This is where they present themselves in a slightly different fashion, with acoustic guitar beautifully supporting synths. It was clear from the beginning of the band's career that you can either love or hate Alec's unique vocal. What is a big minus for The Pilot is that it is two times longer than it should be, as the second part is recursive hell. The issues keep on raising with A Chance To Cure that is obviously attempting to copy minimalism of The xx and dance of Bastille. Down (Is Where I Want To Be) mimics recent material of Peter, Bjorn and John, so it's clear that they keep on getting lost.
Until the and, every song is compatible in production, but I a, not sure that you are going to dig anything there. At least not If you agree with most of my reviews. Keep on reading this week's reviews, I am sure you a better album for the end of September.
