Photo Credit: Alicia Woods
Words: Kayla Kerridge

There’s a unique energy that only comes from experience, and it’s not the kind that needs to be loud or flashy. Instead, it carries itself with confidence and clarity. This is the spirit you find in the album ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’. It feels very much alive and attentive to the moment while drawing from years of writing, performing, and learning. Rather than relying on nostalgia or simply trying to reinvent itself, the album opts for a more satisfying route: it refines, expands, and speaks honestly about emotions.

From the very beginning, you can sense a push forward. The opening tracks have a vibrant energy, propelled by guitars that feel urgent yet controlled, and rhythms that keep things moving without overwhelming you. There’s an immediacy here , it’s clear that the band isn’t playing it safe. You can feel their investment in this project; the act of creating this album truly matters to them. This commitment is woven throughout the record, giving it a unified feel that connects its diverse moods.

Melody is truly at the core of this album. The catchy hooks are naturally integrated into the songs, never feeling forced. The choruses come in a way that feels genuine rather than mechanical. What’s really impressive is how patient the album is with its melodies. Instead of rushing to give listeners instant satisfaction, many songs take their time, revealing their strongest moments gradually. This is the kind of writing that believes in both the listener and itself, allowing the music to unfold in its own way.

Lyrically, ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’ stays grounded in reflection while steering clear of overly sentimental moments. There’s a sense of awareness about the passage of time, personal growth, and the resilience that comes from living through experiences. The lyrics feel conversational and straightforward, avoiding abstract ideas in favour of clear emotional communication. Themes of connection, perseverance, freedom, and belief are sprinkled throughout the album, but not as grand statements. They come off as genuine reflections of real life, shaped by experience instead of theoretical concepts.

The vocal performances shine through with confidence and expressiveness, but they never feel over-the-top. There’s no need for extra embellishments when sincerity is present. The delivery is warm and self-assured, able to bring anthemic moments to life while also handling quieter sections with intimacy. You can feel the emotions in the subtlety of inflections and phrasing; it’s like the songs are lived experiences and not just performances. The vocals know when to take the lead and when to blend into the background, always serving the song rather than overpowering it.

Musically, the album has a wide scope while still feeling cohesive. Although guitars are central, they’re enhanced by various influences that go beyond typical rock arrangements. There are grooves that draw from soul and funk, alongside more expansive, almost celebratory sounds. At times, the use of backing vocals and layered textures adds a communal feel, making the experience feel shared rather than solitary.

The production itself strikes a perfect balance between being polished and gritty. Everything comes through clearly with intention but doesn’t sound overly slick or artificial. You can sense the physicality in the performances , the dynamic interplay among instruments creates a feeling of a band playing together, rather than just piecing together parts separately. This adds to the album’s authenticity, making it feel lived in and real.

One of the album’s biggest strengths is its flow. The sequence of the tracks guides you through energetic peaks and reflective valleys with a natural rhythm. Fast, lively songs are thoughtfully balanced with moments of calm, allowing space for contemplation without losing momentum. This deliberate pacing makes the album feel like a complete experience rather than just a collection of songs, encouraging you to listen to the whole thing instead of just dipping in and out.

An underlying optimism runs through the album, but it’s important to note that it’s a grounded, hard-earned kind of optimism , far from blind positivity. Joy is intertwined with realism, and hope coexists with the acknowledgment of hardship. This delicate balance gives the album emotional credibility. It recognizes that belief isn’t about ignoring struggles; it’s about choosing to move forward despite them. This powerful message resonates throughout, particularly in the album’s more expansive moments where music and emotion create something genuinely uplifting.

Crucially, ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’ doesn’t feel like it’s trying to reclaim the sound of its past. While it respects the band’s musical roots, it doesn’t depend on them. The album firmly resides in the present, informed by experience without being trapped by it. This sense of creative freedom allows the music space to grow and evolve, while still holding on to a strong identity. It changes without losing what makes it special.

With repeated listening, you might discover layers that you didn’t notice at first. There are subtle changes in harmony, understated instrumental nuances, and background textures that emerge over time, enriching your appreciation for the album’s craftsmanship. This is music that doesn’t exhaust itself on the first listen; it becomes more rewarding as you get to know it, inviting familiarity without ever feeling predictable. This resilience is one of its quiet triumphs.

What really makes ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’ stand out is its purpose. This doesn’t feel like an album made out of obligation or pressure. Instead, it has the energy of something chosen , a creative expression crafted because there was something important to communicate. This sincerity is palpable and gives the record its emotional weight, making the uplifting moments feel earned rather than forced.

In a musical landscape that often prioritizes immediacy and superficiality, this album reminds us of the importance of patience, artistry, and genuine connection. It doesn’t chase after trends, nor does it try to scream over the noise. Instead, it offers something steady and long-lasting: songs rooted in melody, conviction, and authentic experience. By doing this, it achieves a quietly impressive feat , it feels relevant not because it’s trendy but because it’s genuine.

As the album comes to a close, there’s a sense of closure without feeling like it’s entirely finished. The journey feels complete, yet it leaves room for more, as if this chapter is part of a larger ongoing conversation rather than a definitive conclusion. ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’ reflects the band’s ongoing creativity and even takes it further. The album shows that confidence and emotional honesty can be just as impactful as youthful energy. It doesn’t need to be loud to make an impression, rewarding those who take the time to listen.