Clap
2 stars
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah were the darlings of the indie scene for a hot second after the release of their self-titled debut in 2005. But the nasally and whiny voice of singer Alec Ounsworth has gotten old. The release of their second album, Some Loud Thunder, has made it clear that the novelty of this band has worn off.
The title track opens the record, and you think there’s something wrong with your stereo. There’s so much static that it seems like a mistake. Most of the songs wander aimlessly through space without much focus. The exception, however, is the best song on the album, “Satan Said Dance.” It has a steady, danceable beat with cool and weird noises scattered throughout in the background. It certainly is Clap Your Hands at their best. Two other songs help “Satan Said Dance” somewhat save this album: “Goodbye to Mother and the Cove” and “Underwater (You and Me).”
I would not recommend buying this album until you have heard the band for yourself. You either will hate Ounsworth’s voice or you will find it fresh and unique. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah certainly is an original band, but most of the good things they do are done better by someone else.
Scale:
0. Shoot yourself
1. Poor
2. So-So
3. Good
4. Excellent
5. Instant classic