B-
The album opens with ‘Find a new way’, a song that is as interesting as it is expansive. An eery harpsichord expands into an audial display of winding vocal missives and tinny drum beats. Second track ‘Water Fountain’ is one that tUnE yArDs’ fans will already be familiar with. Armed with a killer bass line and a catchy hook and chorus, ‘Water Fountain’ is the strongest track on the album by miles. In this, Brenner and Garbus demonstrate what has made them indie darlings up to this point--strong instrumentals and a willingness to sound fun.
Seemingly borrowed from a hip-hop playbook, ‘Time of Dark’ and ‘Real Thing’ offer beat arrangements that could be right out of Kanye West’s latest album. Nikki Nack is comprised principally of poetic declarations about life and clapping arrangements that, when coupled with hip hop beats, can inspire some serious booty shaking.
A wonderfully odd Interlude signals a slowing down on the album with Brenner wailing in the first half of ‘Stop That Man’ followed by a ghostly instrumental interlude. Admittedly Nikki Nack loses steam in the second half of the album--sounding mainly like filler and (unfortunately) aimless at times. ‘Rocking Chair’, however is a close second to ‘Water Fountain’ in terms of best tracks. It is a stark contrast to the overly layered and often chaotic sounding arrangements on the rest of the album.
Overall, Nikki Nack is a winner. Strong instrumentals and an understanding of sound make it an odd yet accessible release for the duo. At its worst, Nikki Nack is disjointed at times if not a little messy. However, the confidence that comes along with a third release make tUnE yArDs’ album a must listen for this spring and a definite inclusion for playlists everywhere.
