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Written
by Aaron Ellis, posted by blog admin
Yam
Haus first formed during high school and the Wisconsin four piece relocated to
the Minneapolis area after graduation. Their first full length recording, Stargazer, is an unlikely tour de force
from a cadre of young musicians and songwriters who clearly demonstrate their
remarkable chemistry. It is unusual to discover a young band playing with this
level of cohesiveness so early on and it results a fully realized first effort
the band will have a difficult time surpassing, but there’s no indication they’ve
explored the limits of their talent with this debut collection. The title song
kicks things off with tremendous uplift and establishes an approach to their
pop songs with this track continuing through later tracks. The blending of
slashing electric guitar chords, a light drumming stomp, and colorful
synthesizer lines make for a first class album opener.
“West
Coast” isn’t as clearly built around its chorus as the first song is, but it
nevertheless has a sure handed pop touch and remarkably mature lyrics for the
form. Despite the obvious commercial nature of Yam Haus’ songwriting, they don’t
shy away from tackling the subject matter of their material with a mix of
clear-eyed adult perspectives linking up with their youthful energy. The second
track is immensely stylish as well. The stylishness continues with the third
track “Kingdom”, a song continuing in much the same vein we heard with earlier
tracks, and featuring the same sort of impactful chorus that helped push the
title track over the top. They rein their pop strengths in some with the track “Too
Many People”, exchanging the synthesizers of earlier numbers in favor of piano,
but the same strengths remain in evidence while also unleashing Lars Pruitt’s
voice in a way we didn’t experience with the opening songs.
“Right
Now, Forever” does a 180 degree from the earlier numbers into “unplugged”
territory but the band sounds just as comfortable in these comparatively
spartan surroundings as they do during the aforementioned pop numbers. Guitar
is part of a greater overall whole for Yam Haus, but they do possess ample six
string firepower even during these more muted numbers; guitarist Seth Blum distinguishes
himself thanks to his playing prowess during this song. “Bad News” has one of
the best pure pop melodies on the release, especially its vocal melody, and
Lars Pruitt’s singing rates among his best moments on Stargazer. Despite his prominence on the album, however, we never
get the sense this is a one man show or glorified solo vehicle. Yam Haus sound
like a band from first song to last.
“We
Are the Storm” has stronger electric guitar presence than anything else
preceding it, excepting the title song perhaps, and Blum dishes out some
impressively rugged riffing for the song while still keeping it consistent with
the band’s over-arching sound. Pruitt proves himself capable of taking on a
rougher edged tune and sounding just as convincing as he does elsewhere. Yam
Haus’ Stargazer is rife with softer
strains as well showing, conclusively, that their debut offers something for
listeners of every stripe. Casual and hardcore music fans alike can and will
find much to admire with this album.
