For indie fans worldwide, the time has finally come. After a four-year hiatus, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (CYHSY) has returned to the alternative music scene with their third album, "Hysterical." Well worth the wait, "Hysterical" is yet another enjoyable installment released by the Connecticut College grads.
Since 2005, CYHSY has been the epitome of indie music publishing. Their self-titled debut (2005) — originally mailed out from bassist Tyler Sargent's apartment — rose to recognition after being featured on and well-received by several music blogs and the popular music site Pitchfork. CYHSY has self-published all of its studio albums, which includes the aforementioned debut, "Some Loud Thunder" (2007), and now, "Hysterical."
Upon beginning the album, it becomes apparent how CYHSY's hiatus has changed the group's sound. Each of the band's members has been working on side projects for the better part of four years, and it was questionable if they would ever release another album together. This break, however, has allowed their music to expand and mature.
"Clap Your Hands Say Yeah" and "Some Loud Thunder" suffered from childish, poppy beats that failed to display the band's acumen to its fullest. Their old sound wasn't all bad, though — in fact, it was highly infectious, cheerful and enjoyable... hence the popularity of their first album.
"Hysterical" sees the band cultivating and honing their music. The new CYHSY sounds more aware of its abilities and limitations than ever before. What they can do, they do well. With this new album, CYHSY does leave some of its childishness behind, but maintains the energy and upbeat sound of its first two albums.
The deviations from CYHSY's previous sound do not really take it in a bad direction. The track "In a Motel" is a quality song that differs from anything they have ever done. Alec Ounsworth's voice gently floats and soars above a fantastic keyboard background and lightly strumming guitar.
The opening track, "Same Mistake," and the fourth track, "Maniac," are two songs that reassure listeners that CYHSY has retained its playfulness, but these tracks also offer some depth. "Maniac" is a familiar tune with a twist; it incorporates the dance feel of "Satan Said Dance" (2007) and the energy of "Heavy Metal" (2005) while featuring a sound all its own. The dichotomous harmony displayed in "Maniac" — one of the two original singles from the album — truly comes across in its sincere and nostalgic music video, courtesy of Belgian director Pieter Dirkx.
Until this point in CYHSY's career, Ounsworth's distinctive voice has remained a constant in the band's sound. His wailing tones of their first album made fans sound out-of-tune when they tried to sing along. This time around, Ounsworth has toned down the warbling tendencies of his voice, allowing that oddity to shine through in only and all of the right places.
It wouldn't be a CYHSY album without ridiculous lyrics, and the band delivers on "Maniac": "Maniac!/ Don't say it ain't nothing/ when I can see it in your eyes." Of course, to fully enjoy this track and others, listeners need the coupling of the band's whimsical lines and Ounsworth's toned-down but still fairly entertaining vocal presentation.
All in all, CYHSY has produced a very solid third release. "Hysterical" indicates that the band is moving in a new direction and developing a more mature sound, rather than relying on the same old tricks. Their latest album is worth the time and money for anyone who enjoyed their first two releases.
