Inquiet - Ye-Ye Bears (Album)
Inquiet (pronounced “anne-ki-et) is Sam Szoke-Burke, of Melbourne; and mini-album Ye-Ye Bears is his newest offering. The majority of the material here was composed and performed in Europe, then later recorded at Pocketclock Studios in Melbourne.
Not really sure what to expect (though the cover art had me intrigued), I placed Ye-Ye Bears into my disc tray, and sat down with a fresh cup of coffee. Opener "Looks Like This" essentially defines the record to come; starting out interestingly enough, with some nice percussive elements, it soon shifts into what may best be described as “digital chaos”. But remember now, we’re only 30 seconds in. Slightly excited, I await for track 2, "We Don’t Know". And wow! I think I’d best let the press release explain, ‘a chamber of echoes and a taunting love song, adorned by musical twigs.’
"Centrepiece Bears" tells us of a showdown with bears, before making the seamless transition into something totally danceable; it’s perhaps the highlight of the disc. With lyrics like ‘bears are gone, not for long, you were wrong, bears are strong’, it’s truly amusing, obscure and wonderful.
Recorded live, "I, Emperor Child" is a two and a half minute piece of abstract wonderment. Abandoning all percussion; sound effects (water, footsteps, and the noises of strange creatures) are produced entirely by Sam’s mouth.
"Tiger & Sun" is a confronting piece, the percussion providing a sense of urgency; but then, silence. No, it’s nearly silence. It seems they’re just having a break; it’s a short breather, one that gave me just enough time to re-collect my senses.
"Piano Sleeper" shifts the mood of the disc entirely; it’s a warm, sweet little track. Imagine running across the tops of clouds, embracing it all; as I did. In actual fact, the track tells the story of a gentle giant, with a love for music. It certainly raises one’s curiosity.
Closing track, "You and Me" shows us Sam’s love for the French ye-ye sound, popular in the 1960’s. Passing through several rather catchy stages it eventually eases off… and then… silence. A true experience, at times reminiscent of the experimental nature of Animal Collective, and at others totally different; Ye-Ye Bears is an interesting half hour of music; one of those truly rewarding listening experiences. Ace!
