New York – London-based synth-pop trio Years & Years have already achieved widespread success since their formation in 2010. They have been slowly but steadily building up a collection of critically lauded single releases and won BBC’s Sound of 2015 (past winners of which include now household names Sam Smith, Haim and Ellie Goulding). Years and Years is comprised of Olly Alexander (vocals and keyboards), Michael Goldsworth (bass) and Emre Turkmen (synths). Their efforts have culminated in their much-anticipated debut album Communion, out on Polydor Records July 10th.
The band has followed a trend that is becoming a common occurrence in the industry of late. They have already released a relatively high number of tracks off Communion (six, almost half of the album) in some shape or form. These early releases include the #1 in the UK-charted “King” and B-side “Eyes Shut”. Years and Years’ decision to release the songs early can be seen as for better or for worse. Hearing each pre-released track crop up within the complete LP is a reminder of the powerful promise of the band’s singular tracks. But, the album loses an element of that kind of surprise delight that comes with hearing your new favourite song for the first time. However, Communions’s seventh track “Ties” does remain one outstanding new addition. Its unexpected and varied vocal directions and almost ominous lyricisms have become a major trait of the band- “Are you having fun / I tell you I have my secrets too / I go hunting for someone like you”.
These dark and unapologetic reflections of Olly Alexander feature prominently on the LP, where they are overlaid in contrast to shimmery dancehall instrumentals. Alexander paints a world full of self-doubt, rejection, and fear that giving his all will never be enough. “All the things I want / I really shouldn’t get” he muses rather dispassionately on opener “Foundation”. The song reads almost as a spoken-word introduction to the album. He further implores “if I triumph, will you watch it?” Coupled with this irrefutable realism is an awareness of the twenty-first centuries’ fixation on self-indulgence in both relationships and daily life. Alexander seems to wonder if feelings are really good for anyone. However, this cynical outlook ceases to overwhelm the LP, and bright moments in tracks such as “Shine” see Alexander recall faith and optimism with resounding, almost gospel-like choruses.
Years & Years’ juxtaposition of radio-friendly pop with their foreboding logic that none of it is going to last makes sense. The trio remarks on the kind of places people find solace, specifically, dance floors. We have all at some point, upset over the state of a relationship, sought refuge in the easy escape of club music. “Nothing’s going to hurt me when my eye’s shut,” Alexander sings on ballad “Eyes Shut”. Despite its dark moments, its with the most buoyant and resolute tracks where Communion most hits its mark. There’s a reason “King” made it to #1 on the charts. “Worship” and “Desire” also illustrate the power of upbeat dance music to change perspective and bring the joy back into life.
Sometimes Communion comes off as a bit unbalanced, as though through the album Alexander is struggling to figure out pretty much everything. He is deciding both the kind of music he wants to make and his deeper thoughts about the progression of day to day existence. In the penultimate track “Border”, he sings “and I will be alright”. Despite Alexander’s affirmation, his lack of conviction makes the listener question whether he himself believes it. In a strange way, this melancholic lack of confidence is what makes the LP captivating and relatable. It consciously reflects on the influence of toxic relationships and unstable values while acknowledging the collective search for that one spark we naively believe will make it all worth the while. The LP itself finds metaphorical solace in the power of music. Years & Years have potential. Communion feels like the first chapter of a coming-of-age story.
Communion is out on Polydor Records July 10th. You can catch Years & Years live all over Europe and making appearances at various festivals this summer. They return to the States and the UK this autumn playing their biggest venues to date.
Ruby Hoffman
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