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Unless you’ve been sitting in a cave for the past couple of years, you’re probably aware of New York rock darlings, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. After the success of their 2006 breakthrough Show Your Bones, they’ve enjoyed a high profile and no shortage of attention.
It came as a bit of surprise then that they chose to release an EP, rather than capitalise on their mass following with a new album.
But take a second to think about it and you realise it’s actually a smart move - Is Is serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it whets the appetite of those fans waiting impatiently for the next record. Secondly, it allows a collection of songs written back in 2004 to see the light of day – and thank goodness for that.
The five tracks on Is Is are quintessential Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but with a slightly harder edge.
Opener ‘Rockers to Swallow’ is a predatory beast, bristling with intensity – Karen O’s vocals are also in the rawest of form. This track demonstrates the raucous side of the band that many felt was watered down in ‘Show Your Bones’.
The title track is also a highlight. It has a marvellously seductive riff that lures you in, before Karen O pushes you away with her visceral scream. It’s a blend that works perfectly.
Is Is represents a triumph with its brevity, at 18 minutes, you are guaranteed to be left wanting more.
Essential Tracks
Rockers to Swallow
Isis
Full Track Listing
1. Rockers to Swallow (3:12)
2. Down Boy (3:54)
3. Kiss Kiss (2:45)
4. Isis (4:02)
5. 10X10 (3:44)
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