Yumi Zouma's latest record, No Love Lost to Kindness, marks a significant shift for the New Zealand band, who are trading in their signature dream pop sound for something more extreme and bold. After over a decade together, the group has reached what guitarist Charlie Ryder describes as their "most friction-filled creative period" yet. The result is an album that sees the band pushing the boundaries of their sound, incorporating faster tempos, louder guitars, and more distorted riffs.
While the new tracks are undeniably bold and attention-grabbing, they may not resonate with all fans of the band's softer side. "More extreme everything" seems to be the mantra here, but it's a strategy that hasn't quite translated into something entirely groundbreaking. The singles on offer feel like a series of bright, pretty tracks that will likely appeal more to those who have been loyal to Yumi Zouma from the beginning.
The band's new direction is evident in songs like Bashville and Blister, which bring an increased sense of energy and unpredictability to their sound. While these tracks are enjoyable and showcase the group's ability to craft catchy melodies, they also feel somewhat formulaic. The shift towards pop punk influences has resulted in a more predictable sound that may leave some listeners feeling underwhelmed.
In contrast, songs like 95 and Waiting for the Cards to Fall demonstrate a more intriguing side of Yumi Zouma. These tracks offer a sense of vulnerability and introspection that is characteristic of the band's earlier work. The use of delicate atmospherics and layered vocals in 95 adds a folky touch that sets it apart from the more bombastic soundscapes found elsewhere on the album.
Ultimately, No Love Lost to Kindness feels like an evolution rather than a revolution. While Yumi Zouma is certainly pushing the boundaries of their sound, they are also making changes that may not resonate with all fans. The question remains whether these changes will be enough to propel the band forward into new creative territory or if they will simply rebrand as the same group we've come to know and love.
While the new tracks are undeniably bold and attention-grabbing, they may not resonate with all fans of the band's softer side. "More extreme everything" seems to be the mantra here, but it's a strategy that hasn't quite translated into something entirely groundbreaking. The singles on offer feel like a series of bright, pretty tracks that will likely appeal more to those who have been loyal to Yumi Zouma from the beginning.
The band's new direction is evident in songs like Bashville and Blister, which bring an increased sense of energy and unpredictability to their sound. While these tracks are enjoyable and showcase the group's ability to craft catchy melodies, they also feel somewhat formulaic. The shift towards pop punk influences has resulted in a more predictable sound that may leave some listeners feeling underwhelmed.
In contrast, songs like 95 and Waiting for the Cards to Fall demonstrate a more intriguing side of Yumi Zouma. These tracks offer a sense of vulnerability and introspection that is characteristic of the band's earlier work. The use of delicate atmospherics and layered vocals in 95 adds a folky touch that sets it apart from the more bombastic soundscapes found elsewhere on the album.
Ultimately, No Love Lost to Kindness feels like an evolution rather than a revolution. While Yumi Zouma is certainly pushing the boundaries of their sound, they are also making changes that may not resonate with all fans. The question remains whether these changes will be enough to propel the band forward into new creative territory or if they will simply rebrand as the same group we've come to know and love.
. The guitar riffs are super loud, but they sound kinda... same-y? And those pop punk vibes are cool and all, but where's the depth, man? 
! They're like, so raw and emotional, it's like you can feel Yumi Zouma's heart beating on their sleeve. I'm not sure if this is a new era of creativity or just them rebranding, but I'm all about exploring both sides 
. But at the same time, I'm not entirely sold on the pop punk vibes 
- it feels like they're trying too hard to be cool? 
. On the other hand, songs like 95 and Waiting for the Cards to Fall are giving me all the feels 
... vulnerability, introspection, and that folky touch are right up my alley 
. I think what's most disappointing is how formulaic some of the newer tracks feel - where's the risk-taking? 
. Still, gotta give credit for evolution over revolution 
.
but now that I've been listening to it nonstop, I'm not sure if I fully get it 
like Bashville and Blister, but at the same time, they feel kinda formulaic? Like, I love the energy and everything, but it's just a bit too predictable for my taste.
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. I mean, the band's always been about that dream pop vibe, and now they're just... abandoning ship? 
It's like they're trying to shake off the old fanbase and get some new ones on board 
. Don't get me wrong, the songs are catchy and all, but it feels too calculated. They need to take a step back and focus on what made them great in the first place - that ethereal magic 
. I'm not buying into this "evolution" nonsense... it's just an excuse for them to cash in 
.
That song "95" tho... 
it's like they went back to their roots and it's so good! 
I mean, who doesn't love a folky vibe in the middle of an album? 
. Meanwhile, only 42% are giving "Bashville" a spin 
. Guess some people just don't get it 
, even if this new album isn't perfect 
. The charts say their streaming numbers are up 27% compared to last year 
. That's gotta count for something! 
The band is definitely taking risks with their sound, and I appreciate that about them 
but at the end of the day, its still yumi zouma making music that's gonna make me tap my foot along 
their new direction is cool and all, but sometimes less is more, you know?
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