tUnE-yArDs: w h o k i l l

By Michael Lopez Tue., Apr. 19 2011 at 8:42 AM

Categories: Review Roundup

tUnE-yArDs - w h o k i l l

Merrill Garbus is a weird, weird lady. The singer/composer -- who records under the moniker tUnE-yArDs -- definitely has her own unique vision of just what music should be. Garbus proved that her vision is anything but regular on her 2009 debut BiRd-BrAiNs, a decadently off-center album that welcomed Garbus to the indie ranks. The Oakland-by-way-of-Quebec singer shows very little sings of slowing on her latest release w h o k i l l, which hits store shelves today. Hell, the album titles alone should clue you in that Garbus is anything but ordinary.

w h o k i l l picks up right where BiRd-BrAiNs left off, bolstered by the catchy, unique lead single "Bizness." Garbus' vocals are in top form, commanding your attention from start to finish. She also ditched the DIY recording style from BiRd-BrAiNs, opting instead to go the more traditional recording studio route. The effort is noted throughout w h o k i l l, an album that forces you to happily scratch your head in confusion with its undeniable charm.

What the critics are saying:

The Guardian: The line crystallises the mood of her second album as Tune-Yards: it's tart, bright, forthright; fiercely feminist in outlook; utterly self-possessed.

Rolling Stone: whokill overflows with hip-hop, reggae, Afrobeat and funky noise freakouts -- plus ukulele riffs, fluttering doo-wop vocals and what sounds like a percussion orchestra composed of pots and pans.

Spin: Adding bassist Nate Brenner, fancier mics, and augmented sonics, this sophomore album cleans up without sacrificing charm.

Pitchfork: This unguarded, individualistic expression encourages strong identification in listeners, so don't be surprised if this record earns Garbus a very earnest and intense cult following.

w h o k i l l is out now via 4AD.