It’s been almost twenty years since The Yum Yum Tree released their acclaimed album Paint By Numbers. Now, the Atlanta band have made a surprise return with Turn Down The Noise.
By Graeme Smith
Paint By Numbers was called “one of the best Atlanta albums of 2007 by EvilSponge and The Yum Yum Tree were poised to build on that success. Yet, it’s taken all this time to release a follow up album.
Frontwoman Andy Gish has spent that time working as an ER nurse and harm-reduction worker and credits that with an evolution of her songwriting in that time. It gives Turn Down The Noise a distinctly mature indie rock sound, one for those of us who were fresh faced in the ‘00s and are now hitting our middle years (including yours truly.)
“We create so much doubt in ourselves … by the time I got to the point where I thought, ‘yes, this is worth recording,’ a lot of work had gone into the songs,” says Gish about the creation of the album, “I’m a very different person, I probably wouldn’t have written those songs in 2010; I wouldn’t have had the same perspective.”
Maturity does not mean a lack of energy, however. Album opener and title track has a liveliness upbeat feel, even as the chorus lamentably implores an unknown part to “turn down the noise.” Gish’s vocal is reminiscent of Karen O’s while remaining beautifully distinct. It oozes with charm as she delivers her vulnerable lyrics.
Vulnerability is a theme of the album’s ten tracks. The Yum Yum Tree aren’t afraid to lean into the feels and get messy. Moments like Turn Down The Noise and later Weak At The Knees express how life can get on top of us. Gish isn’t afraid to admit it, and it makes for a compelling listen.
Elsewhere Follow You Anywhere is a highlight thanks to its combination of hard rock and self-doubt. Pretty Dress is a triumphant anthem that overcomes that doubt. What We Don’t Talk About is raw and light yet heavy, closing the album memorably.
Turn Down The Noise is a hell of a comeback from a band and songwriter who clearly still have plenty to say. Here at York Calling, it our first taste of them, and it certainly has me wanting more.
To keep up to date with all things The Yum Yum Tree you can head to their website, and follow them on Facebook, Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube, and Instagram.
Turn Down The Noise is out now, and you can listen to it below.
Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCurator