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 Caught in the Carousel "There will be music despite everything"
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The Yes Pleases
From Whence It Came
Elitist Low Brow
If you were to guess what kind of album The Yes Pleases' From Whence It Came was based on the first song ("Designer"), you might think it was going to be another MGMT knock-off commandeered by a Prince-like falsetto. Instead, The Yes Pleases' debut veers away from that, instead embracing a variety of genres, with powerful vocals and strong hooks. Vocalist/guitarist Josh Bate's slightly nasal vocals are a nice addition to the catchy "70%" and "Don't Say We're There," which show them embracing a more stripped-down rock approach. "Vortex" sounds like Odelay-era Beck, while the slow grooving "Bad For You" highlights Bate's vocal range. The beautiful "From Whence It Came" is highlighted by Beach Boys-style harmonies and is reminiscent of Grizzly Bear's "Two Weeks." You couldn't write a review of this album without mentioning the oddly-titled "Success Face Transplant," a love song gone wrong, featuring macabre lines like: "I like your face /Would you like to trade?" Despite that title and disturbing lyrical image, it still manages to sound romantic, which is an impressive feat. The album ends with the brilliant "Sunni Side Up," with its distorted guitars and wailing vocals. The Yes Pleases' From Whence It Came can't really escape being labeled as eclectic, but it's the variety, in fact, that makes it so good.
—Jessica Simons
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