Album Review: Way Yes – Walkability

Way Yes

Album Review: Way Yes
by Eric Wildes

As you sit wallowing in the heart of the seemingly endless winter, the idea of relaxing in the warmth seems like a dream come true. The duo, Way Yes, can at times make you feel like you are on vacation in the islands or at least visited a tanning bed. Way Yes’ recently-released EP, Walkability, conjures up savory images of light-hearted fun with a dose of a slightly worldlier message embedded in the lyrics.

“Gino” has a great middle eastern-flavored vocal riff as its backbone. All the other parts of the songs are supported by it. I could do without the obvious Vampire Weekend loan when they sing the rhythmic “hey hey” section, but that is nitpicking. The combination of the intro vocal with a catchy hook and the song successfully hits the hooky fun-filled vibe Way Yes is going for on the EP.

“Walkability” is mildly sarcastic ode to the benefits of a hassle-free existence wrapped in a smooth, reverb echo. This is a head-nodder you might enjoy as you cruise with the top down way to Baskin Robins’ Ice cream … or some such summer frivolity. This is an awesome track.

“Cinnamon” is quirky jaunt that has a surprisingly dark chord progression, funny lyrics and excellent keyboard riffs. The repetitive guitar trills and high-pitched backing vocal hook are a bit too gleeful for me. However, it is hard for me to hold that against them as that is what they are trying to accomplish. I love the backwoods caricature vocals on the main verse as a playful juxtaposition.

“Joanna” is an explosion of island vibes – perhaps too conspicuously. It feels a bit like watching Paul Simon drink a daiquiri with Jerry Garcia. This track is somewhat weaker in my opinion because it relies too much on the jangling guitar part.

While Walkability employs the antithetical dark lyrics very successfully, the EP can at times feel like a work from artists a bit unseasoned. The album also occasionally borrows too much from some very conspicuous sources.

Way Yes does master the sound previously alluded to by bands Like The Ruby Suns, and Animal Collective and puts their brand on it. However limited the scope of the work may be, when this outfit adds experience to its already impressive skill set, very interesting things should happen.

As it stands, Walkability is clearly an effort worth noting from a promising pair.

Editor’s Note: Eric Wildes is a contributor to DeadJournalist.com. A writer, musician and teacher, you can follow him on Twitter: @Elvis_Skinner.