YAWN may very well be Chicago’s answer to Sigur Ros or Animal Collective. On their latest release, E.P, the group’s computerized blips, swirling vocals and bombastic drum loops often walk the line between danceable and hypnotic thanks to an extremely sleek production. And while YAWN seem to revel in creating lush soundscapes and exotic interludes, their songs offer a precise focus that often gets lost in the electro-dance-loop genre.

As E.P. opener “Toys” shifts from an afro-pop rhythm into a clever guitar solo, it’s obvious that YAWN aren’t your average garage band. They seem to have spent more time in front of a computer than in a practice space. Yes, it’s difficult at times to discern what’s a legitimate instrument and what’s machine made, but that really doesn’t take anything away from the music.

“Kind of Guy” begins with the earnest admission “I’m the kind of guy who likes to sleep for days/ Takes a walk inside his little lonely place” over a steady beat that you’d be most likely to hear at a high school pep rally, and the song completely melts down before elastic vocal lines push forward until the track’s conclusion. While Animal Collective or groups of the same ilk often take minutes to build into something worth while, “David” erupts almost instantaneously into European music fest-mode with built in chants and hand claps until the track’s screeching halt evolves into slow burning african percussion.

YAWN reach their funkiest on “Empress,” which is an explosive guitar groover that reaches its apex at the two minute mark when a circus-like synth line adds a powerful melodic punch. “Midnite” is the most Animal Collective-esque and club ready track of the bunch as a slow-to-the-punch build up explodes into a big beat coda.

YAWN’s E.P. is very impressive aurally as each song offers a number of subtle studio nuances that oozes confidence. While their name is the action humans perform when tired or sleepy, YAWN’s E.P. is pure electronic energy tightly packed in 20 minutes.
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Catch YAWN Tuesday, January 19, at the Double Door. The show is FREE!!!
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