The London five-piece create layers of textures and tones which evoke a vast range of feelings and styles.
Photo: Lou Smith | Words: Otis Hayes
Spread across the four tracks which make up Y's self-titled debut EP are a range of tones and textures. Horns jump between personalities as they switch from smooth melodies to wild, frantic whirls, drums cascade with equal energy and the guitar takes on all kinds of personas as it comfortably flirts with funk, punk and jazz. The London-based five-piece intertwine each of their dynamic styles in a harmonious manner, cycling through personalities, sometimes with a classy strut, at others with an urgent and trashy attitude.
Opening with 'Why' we are immediately greeted by the urgent side of Y, an instrumental introduction setting the tone and showing the band mean business, bellowing horns keep pace with frantically beaten drums and synths spiralling above funk-laden guitar riffs. 'Ladies Who' then peeks its head round the street corner, loaded with sharp guitar which carefully chooses its moments to punch in and out of the track while maintaining intense eye contact with a slick jazzy saxophone. Here we are introduced to Sophie Coppin's vocals, delivered with an effortless cool lined with a snarling grit.
The five-piece band was founded by Coppin (on vocals and synths) and Adam Brennan (vocals and guitar) in 2023 during a period of isolation after bonding over shared musical tastes and inspirations. Joined by fellow members Dan GB (bass), Fells (drums) and Harry Mchale (saxophone) the eccentric outfit signed to Hideous Mink Records & SO Recordings in 2024.
Third track 'Hate' flies out of the gate with the song's hook on display from the off, its spacey guitar tone bringing T-Rex to mind, especially when paired with the saxophone behind it. Once 'Hate' begins to simmer down into the verses it starts to feel more like it would fit in more with Gorillaz' discography with its minimalistic drums and synths. Brennan takes lead vocals on 'Hate' with a tender and considered approach offering a new perspective, while Coppin's backing vocals accentuate his delivery and round off the sharper edges. Then, closing the EP, 'Marianne' synthesises wonky guitar, jazzy horns and droning bass. The verses have a slightly futuristic feel, especially with Coppin's spoken word vocals. Genre-defying and intensively eccentric, Y are an exciting prospect who have quickly developed their own style by blending together a diverse, expertly selected range of inspirations and placing their own secret blend of spices into the mix.
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