YYU is the project of Californian artist, Ben Straus. Back in May he released an album entitled TIMETIMETIME& TIME on a label called Beer On The Rug. It is very difficult to put this album into a genre in an attempt to describe what a listener might expect. I’ve read a few reviews that refer to it as “vaporwave”, although as someone unfamiliar with the genre that isn’t much help (please excuse my ignorance). Other attempts are vague and similarly unhelpful, although “post-dubstep” is the closest to something I would have suggested (probably due to my lack of knowledge in the area).
Anyway, pointless taxonomic arguments on genres aside, this is a very interesting album. Repetition is an important element here, the sound circles and repeats constantly, but it is put together in a way that seems entirely organic and affecting. Strummed guitars, delicate vocals and hushed pianos are all cut up and looped to beautiful effect. The continued repetition that should therefore seem robotic and digital actually comes across as natural and human (as in the continued repetition of a heart beat). The album also remains pretty accessible despite the largely experimental approach, and would, I believe, certainly appeal to fans of Burial and Mount Kimbie, and even Dirty Projectors. Listen to and buy the album from Bandcamp, and check out Beer On The Rug’s website for more information.
YYU has also just released a brand new song on his Soundcloud page which is definitely worth checking out. Stream it below:
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/60917299″]