British pop trio Years & Years stuns with new EP
February 23, 2015
It’s never easy to admit the uncertainty in a relationship, but it’s something else entirely to craft that doubt into arguably the best pop music released so far in 2015. From sparkling alt-rhythm and blues vocals, courtesy of singer Olly Alexander, to tightly crafted hooks and production, British electronic-pop trio Years & Years bridge the gap between feel-good dance anthems and personal insecurities in their new four-song EP, “Y & Y.”
In light of their previous releases, “Y & Y” demonstrates the degree to which Years & Years have honed their sound into a reflective interpretation of inspirations ranging from Diplo to Aaliyah to Radiohead. As winners of the coveted BBC Sound of 2015, the trio is primed for spontaneously combusting the popular music sphere in the coming year, following in the immense footsteps of acts like Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and Adele.
The EP’s first track, “Desire,” catches Years & Years in their best Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna imitation. With its bouncy house feel, the track seems distinctly prepackaged for radio play. And that’s exactly what it was meant to do. The single has already made big waves on British pop radio, peaking at No. 5 on the UK Dance charts in late 2014. If the only shortcoming of “Y & Y” is its disposition for manufactured singles, its excellence remains intact. Pop is pop, and is sure to be accompanied by its usual qualms.
“King” is by far the crowning jewel of Years & Years’ discography. Since late 2012, dance-pop lyrics have nearly drained the trite, party-all-night-long vein. The appeal and command of Alexander’s vocals live in undeniable harmony with the track’s exploration of the consequences of codependency: “I was a king under your control / I wanna feel like you’ve let me go.” Authentic lyrical content is a welcomed rarity in pop music, and Years & Years triumphs at balancing emotional tension and party-ready structure. “King” is simply the best iteration of Years & Years, and one that could (and actually may) dominate American Top 40.
“Y & Y” is all about building Years & Years’ electro-pop/blog hype cred, but the EP leaves an unexpected impression on listeners with its singular slow jam, “Memo.” While it’s not quite a dramatic departure from other high-energy tracks, “Memo” catches listeners off guard with its haunting simplicity and transparency. Alexander’s voice commands an expert level of power and drama here, breathing intimacy into a relationship that has plateaued: “Let me take your heart, love you in the dark / No one has to see,” “And if I try my hardest / would you look my way?” Years & Years’ decision to leave listeners with vulnerability is gutsy and, in this case, brilliant — proof that they are both relevant and unique.
The “Y & Y” EP is available for digital purchase on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play, and to stream on Spotify.