Straight off the heels of releasing the first song from their latest EP and kicking off an international tour, London-based indie rock group, Yuck, will visit Bowery Ballroom this Saturday night.
Having released their self-titled album in 2011 to acclaim from Rolling Stone and Pitchfork, Yuck’s sophomore album, “Glow and Behold,” solidified the band’s status as one of the most notable names on the indie rock scene. Released in 2013 on southern record label Fat Possom, “Glow and Behold” has a catchy, fuzz rock sound that was a departure from their first album, which boasted grungy jams like “Get Away” alongside dreamy SoCal tunes like “Shook Down.”
Formed by longtime friends Max Bloom and Daniel Blumberg, who formed Cajun Dance Party in high school and released an album in 2008, Yuck has come a long way and endured some serious transitions, including the loss of Blumberg, the band’s frontman. After announcing in April 2013 that Blumberg would pursue other projects, Bloom took over as frontman and singer. The indie rock outfit seems to be doing just fine after weathering a storm that would usually dissolve an up-and-coming band.
Now Yuck is gearing up for the release of their four song EP, “Southern Skies,” and plans to keep their momentum going by recording more tracks as soon as they have down time in London.
The 2014 EP was self-produced and recorded over Christmas in the band’s rehearsal studio in Stoke Newington, London, and Bloom says he’s extremely proud of what the group has accomplished.
“It feels like a big step in a new direction for the band,” he said.
“Athena,” the first song on the EP, released at the end of January, is more dreamy than the group’s earlier grungy tunes. Reminiscent of Beach House’s wistful, sleepy melodies, “Athena” illustrates the band’s transition from a ’90’s grunge rock sound to softer vocals that are comparable to Sonic Youth.
2014 is sure to be a definitive year for the band with the release of “Southern Skies” and more in the shoot. “Where we see the band heading sound-wise is a mystery even to myself. Only time will tell,” says Bloom.
This will be the group’s second time playing at the Bowery Ballroom, and Bloom notes that they’re extremely excited to perform at the venue again, especially because they mixed their latest album at a studio close to the space and have “a lot of love for the Lower East Side.”
“We’re looking forward to playing some new songs and seeing how people react to the old ones as well,” says Bloom.
Saturday, February 15 // 8pm // $15 in advance and $17 at the door.
