Los Angeles – The dream pop group Yumi Zouma is the formation of three friends Charlie Ryder, Josh Burgess, and Kim Pflaum. Each individually live in different places (New York, Paris, and Christchurch, New Zealand). Last year Lorde brought fellow New Zealanders Yumi Zouma on tour with her for select dates. The band features the lush vocals of Pflaum, whose breathtaking abilities fit extremely well with the trio’s pulsating synthesizers. However, they also take the route of subtleness and simplicity with their work. Their organic sounds are of sheer and awe-inspiring beauty. Like a breath of fresh spring air, the music from Yumi Zouma purifies the listener.
The three-piece act’s latest (and second) EP from Cascine simply titled EP II is a five-track dreamy endeavor that is both tranquil and wistful with every cadence. It’s difficult to dismiss the inherently likeability each song carries within. The 22-minute compilation features warm synths and muted drum-machine beats. EP II touches upon a light disco feel with breezy arrangements perfectly suitable for the club. The quixotic lyrics mixed with ethereal strokes develop a wonderland setting so enticing that you’ll never want to leave.
The single, “Catastrophe,” is reminiscent of Electric Youth. The luminous melodies paired with Pflaum’s wispy vocals are undeniably beautiful. Yumi Zouma specializes in lovely sounds that translate to perfectly construct dream-pop tunes. The charming “Song For Zoe & Gwen” is a reminder that spring is just around the corner. Pastel vocals and effervescent synths bring new meaning to the genre Yumi Zouma inhabit. Opener “Dobi” is a lustrous track with shimmering vibes and lucid vocals. It ignites this inclination to get up out of your seat and simply dance along as if you don’t have a worry in the world. All of the songs are effortlessly delightful and make the listener to feel absolutely carefree during the short-lived, but memorable experience. Most of these tracks have a steady stream of plush melodies, but “Alena” has much momentum going for it. It’s the ideal dance-club jam equipped with varnished production values.
“Second Wave” is both pristine and blithe. The song feels like a getaway from the every day runaround. It puts the dream in daydreaming because it’ll send you to a celestial place within the landscape of your own mind. Yumi Zouma only has the two EPs under their belt, but they’ve created some of the finest dream-pop in recent memory. The saccharine melodies, sentimental lyrics, and eloquent vocals produce pure pleasure for the listener.
EP II is a superb effort from this young band with a copious amount of potential. The five tunes creatively go well beyond what the band first released in early 2014. The EP leaves you desiring more, but also satisfies as a quintessential springtime album. With these excellently produced new tracks, the awareness of Yumi Zouma should develop a wider audience.Check out Yumi Zouma’s Facebook for more information about upcoming tour dates. EP II will be released March 10 via Cascine.
Sean Kayden
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