Yeasayer: Fragrant World

     

     Brooklyn based Yeasayer constantly strives to break new ground, and their third full length album, Fragrant World, is no exception.  For this effort, the band drew from more genres than should be allowed, but it turns out well.  While there is still plenty in evidence in their odd time signatures and crowded sound, Yeasayer tightened the reigns on their indie rock weirdness, and experimented with synth effects and hip hop beats.  For their effort, Fragrant World incorporates all the complexities of their previous work without the overbearing sound of instruments fighting for room.  The band utilizes a bouncier feel to combat the sounds of instrumental disarray. 
     Those purists looking for a genuine indie, or electronic. album may want to look elsewhere, as Fragrant World makes no apologies for being a genuine fusion album.  The backbone of the songs are organic instruments, heavy on effects, and awash in synth to create a sound truly their own.  This practice is often used in the indie scene, but is rarely done this well.  Do not be fooled, however, Fragrant World is not in the vain of the electro pop making a wild run for Indie Rock's favorite sound. The beats are harsher and more convoluted, and the songs are not readily accessible.  They will not get stuck in your head for the day, but make you reflect for a few minutes before moving on to the next. While the beats and tones are breezier and jazzier, the
     In the past several years, Yeasayer has established themselves as Indie Rock guru's.  They have an excellent concept of sound that they proudly display on all their albums.  Fragrant World shows that the boys from Brooklyn continue to do what the Indie world has been trying to for years; find a delicate mesh of genres.  The only difference is, with Fragrant World, Yeasayer found the perfect recipe.