I love Years & Years. Ever since I first heard their single 'King', I've been blown away by every song they've put out. It came as no surprise to me then when their debut album 'Communion' was released and I fell in love straight away. I immediately loved their music, but I was also a big fan of the way they marketed themselves, and the artwork that accompanied them in the promotions leading up to the release of the album. You can see some examples at the end of this review.There are a great number of songs on the deluxe edition of the album that make it such a compelling listen. The aforementioned 'King' is their most popular song, and with good reason - it's outstanding. However, other standout songs include 'Shine', 'Ties', 'Desire' and 'Worship'. An NME review on this album gave it a very harsh 4 out of 10, saying it had 'nothing to say'. I disagree; there are obvious religious connotations right through the album which must have been overlooked to make such a comment; the title ('Communion'), to the song titles (which include 'Gold', 'Worship', 'King' and 'Shine') and even the lyrics (the chorus of 'Worship' entails the "worship" of "high praises"). It's possible of course that these religious references are aesthetic and aren't as deeply rooted as I'd like to believe. However to say the album has 'nothing to say' with this great deal of very Christian terminology and references seems rather narrow minded.
The combination of stunning instrumentals (fueled by Emre Turkman's synths and Mikey Goldsworthy's bass) with Olly Alexander's unique and powerful vocals creates a wonderful album which can make you want to get up and dance ('King' and 'Desire' are very guilty of this) to other more relaxing songs ('Take Shelter' and 'Eyes Shut' are more slow-paced but are very listenable. It's very difficult for me to name a song I don't enjoy on the album, as even some of the lesser songs ('Memo', '1977' and 'I Want Your Love' are a few of the more underwhelming titles) have credentials and the talent of the young band is always distinctly seen throughout the album.
This is an album enjoyed by myself and my parents, showing the great appeal of Years & Years' music to a huge audience. Their turnout at Glastonbury, despite being on a smaller stage, was huge and the shelter they were under was overflowing as fans packed in to see Years & Years in action.
All in all, Years & Years have produced an incredible album, and one that I greatly recommend.
Luke
Here is the great artwork that Years & Years released for each of their four singles:
Desire
King
Shine
Take Shelter
Here is the great artwork that Years & Years released for each of their four singles:
Desire
King
Shine
Take Shelter
