Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – ‘As Always’ (Xtra Mile Recordings)

The new single, ‘As Always’ is a taster to what’s to arrive this summer,  the album ‘Only Run’ is due 2nd June through Xtra Mile Recordings worldwide except in  North American where it’s released independently by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.

Like the band’s fateful first album, it’s an artist’s singular vision. Once again, Alec Ounsworth crafted the songs himself before bringing them to the studio for completion and the album is further proof that CYHSY thrives because of a strong sense of identity.  Fans can pre-order Only Run on iTunes now and receive the instant gratification track, “Coming Down”.

Fostered from his love of uncompromising songwriters (e.g. John Cale, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Tom Waits), Ounsworth believes in an artist’s creative control. “Some people seem surprised when you shift gears aesthetically between records, but to me that’s the point,” he says. “We have a responsibility as musicians to take chances.” Ounsworth continues, “There is a reason I have all of Tom Waits’ albums, for example.  I believe in him.” That said, as one can guess, it may add more focus, also further scrutiny of the end product beyond that I  guess is music that influences and talent to write and create a good narrative, pleasing to  suggest that ‘As always’ exhibits all of the aforementioned, engaging from the start, as most will testify, following the success of Alec’s sold out UK/EU Living Room Tour in May, which saw Alec perform solo at intimate and informal gigs in fans’ living rooms. Different.  Plans are even afoot to return to UK and Europe in October with the full band for a headline tour.

Enough, lets step back into the present, ‘As always’ works as the new single, living room tested must make for good feedback, the songs has slightly darker undertones, tasty alternative guitar chords lead the melody in lighter tones over big drums, as the lyrics continue to resonate, a winning formula. ‘As Always’ will maker lots of new friends of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, with this impressive single. 8.6/10