ALBUM REVIEW: Desu Taem – YEOOCUH
Desu Taem’s father-son duo, Shan and Nick Greene, show no signs of slowing down with their fourth album since October, “YEOOCUH”. Featuring 19 tracks and clocking in at 45 minutes, the record jumps headfirst into a kaleidoscope of genres. Nick’s background as both a musician and audio engineer shines through in the album’s polished production and dynamic arrangements.
‘Where Are You Gonna Say Now?’ opens the album with a confident and polished energy. Its soulful vocals and resonant drums create an immersive experience, driven by a powerhouse chorus that lingers in the mind. Captivating hooks and a classic, melodic rhythm set a strong foundation for what’s to come.
With ‘What Just Happened?!’, the band dives into groove-fuelled rock and roll. Its punchy beat and melodic vocals keep the energy high, while danceable harmonies and catchy hooks make this a proper foot-tapper. The track brims with exhilarating charm.
‘Assbite Mania’ ramps up the attitude with raw punk energy and thunderous drumbeats. Vibrant and dynamic, its killer riffs and edgy vocals add a rebellious flair, making it a standout for fans of fast-paced grit.
The proggy intricacies of ‘Don’t Stick Your Fingers in the Cage’ blend complex rhythms with heavier bluesy riffs. Soulful vocals sweep across the track, bringing power and depth to its unconventional harmonies. This is a track for those who appreciate a touch of unpredictability.
‘Chunky Stool’ takes a dive into heavy classic rock, with soaring guitar solos and dynamic drums giving it an 80s-inspired edge. Its hooky chorus and guitar-driven sound provide a nostalgic yet energetic experience.
On ‘DAMMIT’, a thoughtful, bluesy beat underpins a plodding yet absorbing atmosphere. Psychedelic undertones weave into the distinctive vocals and complex guitar structures, adding a layer of introspection.
The electrifying ‘Blasted Into Rebirth’ tears through with snarling metal and thrash influences. Fast tempos, gritty textures, and an epic guitar solo make this track a thrilling adrenaline rush for metalheads.
‘Everything Crawls Away From Me’ slows things down with a bluesy, twangy introspection. Soulful vocals take centre stage, delivering a stunning performance, while the Kid Rock-inspired rhythm leans into sparse, dark tones with a hint of early 90s rock.
The playful ‘Mr. Big Mouth’ balances Nirvana-inspired grunge with sunny, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Chilled vibes and bright drums create a laid-back, arty sound, showing the band’s lighter side.
‘THAT Blew up in my Face’ introduces a dark, gothic atmosphere with pounding drums and a sinister energy. The shock-rock vibe is both unsettling and engrossing, delivering a spine-chilling punch.
For something completely different, ‘Has Anyone Seen My Underwear?’ brings a funky, lighthearted energy. Danceable rhythms, cute finger-plucked guitars, and jubilant drums make this a feel-good, celebratory track that’s impossible to take too seriously.
‘Six Guns and Scorching Suns’ shifts gears again with a country-rock vibe. Its raspy vocals and galloping rhythm evoke images of open roads and sunny horizons, adding a touch of Americana joy to the mix.
The rockabilly-infused ‘Crazy Bitch Addict’ showcases winding guitars and a resonant double bass, paired with powerful vocals and a catchy beat. A delightful guitar solo ties the track together with charm and swagger.
‘Time to Choose’ delivers classic rock energy in spades, with eruptive drums and bold vocals leading the charge. Killer riffs and dynamic guitars push the track to thrilling heights.
With ‘Which Part of No Didn’t You Understand?’, the band doubles down on attitude. Confident vocals and a groovy bassline drive the track forward, with bold drums and energetic guitars giving it a lively edge.
‘F**K! F**K F**K!’** roars through as a punk anthem, complete with raw gang vocals and intricate guitars. It’s rebellious, loud, and unapologetically chaotic, packed with melodic instrumentation and fiery energy.
‘Meat Head’ blends rock and thrash metal for a powerhouse performance. Screaming guitars, a killer beat, and an immersive solo elevate this track to headbanger status.
The upbeat ‘Wood Chipper Freddy’ returns to rockabilly influences, driven by bright, vibrant energy and an infectious double bass backbeat. Splashy drums add a playful touch to this foot-tapping tune.
Closing out with ‘Mr. Big Mouth (Outro)’, the album takes a gritty yet funky turn. Hip-hop-inspired backbeats combine with epic guitars and a killer solo, rounding off the record with a confident flourish.
To conclude “YEOOCUH” is a dynamic, genre-hopping collection that showcases Desu Taem’s creativity and versatility. While its multifaceted nature might feel directionless at times, the sheer breadth of styles ensures there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into blues, punk, thrash, or country-rock, the album offers plenty of highlights. It’s a bold, energetic showcase of a band unafraid to experiment, even if the whole might not always coalesce into a singular vision.
