Let's Play is the latest album release from Yeah Nah aka Liam McAlary, an Australian artist from Port Macquarie, NSW. His music is witty acerbic and describes comical everyday experiences in true Seinfeld style. The album features twelve original songs, which are both punchy and melodic and guaranteed to hit the target.
The album opens with the delightful "Lets Scrub" a real foot stomper, where the imagination of the child is revealed through a somewhat detailed description of all the adventures that take place whilst 'having fun in the bath'. The music features brass instrumentation, alongside bass, drums and a lively piano hovering away in the background.
"Travel the World" does exactly what the title suggests, referencing some exotic destinations, where the artist takes us on an adventure of 'amazing beauty across many countries'. The chorus joyfully exclaims how 'when you travel the world there is so much to see'. A true celebration of different cultural sights from the Grand Canyon to the Northern Lights and everything in-between. The bridge describes the different methods of transportation you may require to get there, with a drum flourish that pays homage to Keith Moon.
The title track "Let's Play" is another interesting song, featuring a shuffle beat and some sparse instrumentation as the artist describes a typical day in the life of a kid. Whether this involves breakfast, watching TV or walking the dog, it is all described in great detail. There is a noticeable emphasis on play activities here as you would expect. I'm sure all you teachers and parents out there have experience of a child's infinite desire to 'play all day'. As the song progresses the instrumentation becomes more complex with the introduction of a brass section adding further texture to the overall sound.
My absolute favourite track on the album is the haunting "Australia", which reminded me a little of non other than, Oasis, as the artist describes a host of exotic landscapes where 'there's so much to see'. The song bobs along in fine style, as the vocal melody soars and swoops along in melodic delight. The bridge breaks up the rhythm in staccato fashion, as the song builds to a climax before returning for one final chorus. Marvellous!
"Sunday Arvo" really is the sound of the suburbs, with a lively description of weekend family life in Australia. A positive reflection on simple family activities where 'the steaks don't take long', and where we get to 'play cricket in the yard'. You can almost visualise the picket fence and quarter acre block, as family life is celebrated throughout because amongst other things 'my family's fun'. The song finishes with a delightful guitar refrain, which sprinkles a little magic towards the end.
"The Recorder" celebrates the many benefits of this much underrated instrument. Here, 'recorders are fun to play' because 'they make a lovely sound'. Amongst the other benefits 'they take away your stress', they are 'easy to play and may even 'brighten up your day'. Maybe the artist is singing from experience here, although I would add portability, great value and the fact that you don't have to tune it to the equation.
Other standout tracks include the country inspired "City & Country", the lively "Being A Kid" and the inspiring "When I Am Big". Clearly, there is something for everyone here, whether you are into pop, country or just trying to find something interesting for the kids, you are absolutely sure to find it on this album.
The album finishes superbly with the haunting "Sleepy Head", featuring a melancholy vocal courtesy of Danielle Lamb. The song describes this familiar bedtime ritual, where we ultimately get to 'dream the night away sleepy head'. About midway through the track a seductive keyboard is introduced which sounds like something taken from an Eno album. The melody is quite superb here, as are the vocals which radiate both warmth and richness.
A very promising album from an emerging artist who manages to incorporate a whole range of influences into one compelling and unified piece of work. The music is sprightly, engaging and highly melodic, and the lyrics draw the listener in with increasing intrigue. Some of the melodies on display here are truly magical, where Blur meet the Wiggles and hire Jerry Seinfeld to write the lyrics. The album has only just been released, so give it some love on its way, you'll feel all the better for it.
Yeah Nah - the sound of the suburbs.
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