By Isaac Siegemund-Broka
Staff Writer
After lengthy careers, many bands grow careless and, thus, create worse records. Yo La Tengo seems to mock this trend with their latest album, “Fade,” which illustrates that, despite a 25-year career, the band has yet to fade in quality.
Yo La Tengo consists of husband-wife pair Ira Kaplan (guitar and vocals) and Georgia Hubley (percussion), as well James McNew (bass). The band has been churning out albums since 1986, and “Fade” is its thirteenth to date. “Fade” strays drastically from the characteristic noise rock of Yo La Tengo’s earlier years and instead refocuses on the gentler side of the band’s sound.
“Ohm” is a perfect track to start the album, with a vaguely tribal beat accompanied by occasional ethereal tones. The drums lightly escalate, picking up a driving rhythm similar to that in Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.” The song’s slight reference to Zeppelin is quickly covered by gentle vocals and guitar, which gradually increases in distortion in preparation for the pleasant solo.
“Fade” continues the sound that has been established on the album to a point, as it uses a brilliant blend of indie rock with touches of garage rock, noise rock and even shoegaze. However, the album contains several principally acoustic tracks, most notably “I’ll be Around.” Its quiet vocals and jangling guitar create a nice atmosphere of pastoral serenity.
Overall, this pastoral quality is one of the defining characteristics of “Fade,” which lacks the amount of customary distortion for Yo La Tengo. “Fade” manages to be tender in its feel and eclectic in its sound, avoiding the monotony of most calm acoustic rock albums. Some songs delve into a Sigur Ros-esque state of atmospheric tranquility with lulling synth swells, while others contain soft guitar more reminiscent of bands such as The Shins or Death Cab for Cutie. Either way, Yo La Tengo creates a state of gentle comfort for the listener. This range in style demonstrates the musicians versatility as musicians.
“Before We Run” closes the album just as masterfully as “Ohm” opens it; the song has the grandiose of a finale, with a rhythmic baritone sax, triumphant brass, and festive strings; even the song title is a reference to the album’s conclusion.
“Fade” backs away from the rowdier noise and garage rock of Yo La Tengo’s earlier sound, instead emphasizing quieter indie rock and the lighter, pastel shades of the band’s varied pallet. “Fade” is available in select record stores and on iTunes for $7.99.
Leave a Reply