showersDunedin 16 | 12
Thursday, Thu, 19 DecemberDec 2024
Subscribe

Music Review: Tune-Yards

The hypnotic, experimental art pop of Merrill Garbus’s Tune-Yards project is fused with a dose of very-2018 political wokeness in her fourth LP under the banner.

Having become aware of the cultural appropriation in much of her earlier work, she ups the ante to somewhat ironic effect, merging Chicago house and African-inspired beats with synth, ukulele and lyrics about white privilege.

It’s a bold statement that’s surprisingly listenable and not nearly as preachy as it could’ve been; the profusion of sounds and styles, along with Garbus’s strong vocal performance, helping considerably even if the songs don’t always hit the mark.

• Tune-Yards. I can feel you creep into my private life. 4AD. 

• ★★★ and a half (out of five)

Single download: Colonizer
For those who like: M.I.A., St. Vincent, TV on the Radio

— Jeremy Quinn

Add a Comment