Tune-Yards: Nikki Nack ALBUM REVIEW

To tell you the truth, I never really liked Tune-Yards. I felt that the music that Merril Garbis and company created borrowed too heavily from the African music that inspired it, and the songs themselves were just to... weird. A complaint that I usually don't have, considering I enjoy acts like Death Grips. However, this year's biggest surprise for me thus far is easily the groups third album, Nikki Nack. 

Of course, all of the things that made me sort of loathe the group's past LPs is still here. African rhythms and weird song structures are this album's bread and butter. Fortunately, it seems that they have finally managed to craft a set of songs that are weird, but still remain composed from start to finish. Sure, there are plenty of odd and off-kilter moments on Nikki Nack, but Merril holds back from indulging in her need to over-saturate her songs with lots of sounds and ideas that don't really click together. 

The album starts off well enough with the track "Find A New Way" with its odd time signature and even odder vocal performance. The following track, and lead single "Water Fountain" is simply one of this years most exciting and colorful pop songs, and is the track that actually convinced me to give this LP a try. But, the true wonder of this album are its slower moments. The fantastic "Wait For A Minute" is a wonderful late album track that is so smooth and unlike anything Tune-Yards have done, it is sure convert a few naysayers out there.

That's not to say that the more upbeat moments aren't great as well. Aside from the aforementioned "Water Fountain", I found myself really enjoying tracks like "Sink-O" and "Stop That Man", also this LP closes with the utterly wonderful and slightly pointed track "Manchild" which I found thoroughly enjoyable.

Really, just about every track on this album had me either bobbing my head, or silently singing along. I am glad that Tune-Yards managed to put an album together that I enjoyed because I have always enjoyed the idea of a band like this. Luckily, the idea has been put into full effect on Nikki Nack, making for one of this years most fun and uplifting listens.

8.8/10