London trio Years & Years return with their new single, ‘Take Shelter’, the follow up to February’s breakout track, ‘Real’.
Part of their upcoming EP, ‘Take Shelter’ is the band’s lead and first single since signing to Polydor Records off the back of their previous early word-of-mouth success and Kitsuné releases. It finds the young band at their most confident, bringing together sun flavoured dancehall rhythm and bass, equally celebratory and introspectively soul, with the signature pop sensibilities of frontman and pianist Olly Alexanders’ effortlessly captivating voice.
It’s there where the songs start, with the voice and piano of Alexander, who draws influence from classic songsmiths and lyricist such as Joni Mitchell and Jeff Buckley, as well as the gritty lyrical realism of Raymond Carver and John Cheever. The tracks are then worked into brilliant life by bassist Mikey Goldsworthy and synth player/beat-maker/producer Emre Turkmen, who infuse Alexander’s songwriting with a love of cutting-edge electronic music and R&B (think SOHN, Jai Paul and a nod-back to 80s New Wave). Writing, co-producing and playing the instruments on all their songs, Years & Years are a truly modern group with a future-minded sensitivity and aesthetic.
Set for a August 17th release, ‘Take Shelter’ follows on from the success of previous single ‘Real’, which has so far amassed over 900K plays on Soundcloud and a combined 1million+ hits on Youtube; a Hype Machine popular chart No.1; a Zane Lowe “next hype”; various supports slots (MØ, Say Lou Lou); a sold-out headline show at London’s Oslo; a mini-Japan and European tour and most notably ended in their signing to the world-renowned, Polydor Records.
After storming appearances at this year’s city festival circuit (Great Escape, Liverpool Sound City, Live at Leeds and Dot to Dot) under their belts and a debut album now in the works, Years & Years will release ‘Take Shelter’ on August 17th via Polydor Records.
With more tracks, details and shows to be announced shortly you can catch the trio this summer at the following dates:
11/06/14 – Kitsune Summer Bloc Party, Paris, France
21/06/14 – Village Underground - Kitsune Summer Bloc Party, London
05/07/14 – Blissfields Festival
12/07/14 - Leefest
19/07/14 – Latitude Festival
27/07/14 – Secret Garden Party
09/08/14 – Beacons Festival
23/08/14 – Nowa Nuzyka, Katowice, Poland
Check out the exclusive Music-News.com interview below.
