On Odd Blood, Yeasayer’s sophomore effort, the five-piece showed us that they could be psychedelic while including catchy pop elements at the same time.
While Fragrant World might have the electronics of its predecessor, it protrudes an extended level of oddball theatrics, much closer to that of their debut, All Hour Cymbals.
The record’s scattered personality and serrated electronics make for a difficult introduction to the album. Its lack of accessible indie-pop moments might disappoint the many who discovered the band throughOdd Blood, but anyone willing to give it more than five spins will soon realise that this album is indeed a ‘grower’.
The frenetic beats of ‘No Bones’ and ‘Reagan’s Skeleton’ might initially be jarring, but they soon reveal their edge on repeated listens. Just as the electro hoppin’ jam of ‘Longevity’ and the outlandish arrangements on ‘Demon Road’ quickly become auspicious highlights.
The least peculiar track comes in the form of ‘Henrietta’; a song from the perspective of cancer cells, which have been preserved for research.
As the chorus mellows from an ominous opening section, Chris Keating sings through the tumours yearning for the woman it killed in a circular anthem; “oh Henrietta/ we can live on forever.” Yet despite this rather abstract songwriting, the lead single is the album’s most oddly affectionate moment.
As the album grows on you, to the point where every song can be enjoyed and the consistency of Fragrant World appreciated, it never builds towards a climax or ever gets close to blowing you away; but those who enjoy complex composition and unwavering musical consistency don’t need to go any further than this.
Although there are plenty of strengths in Yeasayer’s Fragrant World, you can’t help but be left wanting something just a tad more memorable
– Corey Tonkin
