
Martin and jUSTIN proudly present, for your reading pleasure, a review of the forthcoming Yuki album; “Dark Like Snow”.
The review was compiled from the promotional copies of the album which have been, for those who would like a copy, circulating on Ebay over the past few weeks ;)
The review follows a track-by-track breakdown of each song with particular emphasis on how we feel the songs fit with the expectations of the Fluke/2 Bit fanbase. This is a joint project between myself and jUSTIN cREDIBLE, who wrote the majority of the track synopsis breakdown; I have merely refined the language as a native speaker. I am now retiring to a role as a cushy editor – thanks jUSTIN!
Without further ado, on to the review!
01 - Key Lime HeartDark like snow powers up with Key lime Heart. Some of you may already have had an opportunity to listen to this track, which was available as a free download on Ditto.TV to promote the live event. A crunchy bassline and a stomping beat are schmoozing Yukis vocals.
It's about a girl, who has lost her love.
She is hurt.
She was missleaded.
And she surely will never listen to what he said again.
As the song progresses the mood of the piece also fluctuates with an increasing confidence to match the lyrics.
Finally the dark, synth driven atmosphere becomes prominent, as Yuki's lyrics rise to full prominence.
02 - RunawayA distorted bassline and a jumping beat are the basis of this number.
Yuki tells us about the city streets, which don't confort her anymore, as they play too hard and too mean.
So, not to be outdone, she tries to find her way back home all on her own.
The song's atmosphere keeps up a positive atmosphere while a distorted, squeaking melody carryies us through the song.
03 - OrleansShortly after the beginning When the bassline kicks in, this track instantly feels like coming home for any Fluke fan.
While every song on the album bears the “Fluke” signature to song degree or another, the constant driving bass on this track probably renders it the closest in feel to their previous work.
As Yuki repeats the words "Pulling me" (I thought it was “Bullet in me”? - Martin) this progressive masterpiece pulls us right into her world, full of rumbling basslines, distorted FX flying around everywhere and crunchy beat.
04 - Don't know whySome japanese strings introduce Don't know why.
A rolling breakbeat accompanied by some acids round Yukis lyrics out.
She says:
- Stop! Won't you listen to me? you've got a one shot only opportunity.
- You wanna know what I see?
- a whole new world waiting there just for you and me.
Sure thing, why not!? The invitation is further extended when she sings:
"Let me take you there you got a whole new world waiting to be shared"
Well, we don't want to hesitate to follow in this instance as it leads into a stomping, acid driven, funky number where we'd be content to stay for a long long time!
Again, the track's Fluke factor is BIG.
05 - Trippin'Yuki starts with the words
"I've got no money to buy me sounds
But I don't mind 'cause I got friends".
Yes, and those friends are called Jon Fugler and Mike Bryant aka 2Bit.
Directly from the start her "friends" introduce some mind-blowing beats hand in hand with a jumping bassline.
The song is driven forward by distorted guitars and Yuki's distinctive vocals telling us that she "ain't got no time for feeling sad" - neither have we :-)
06 - LoverloverAs the song introduces itself, we find ourselves surrounded by some ultrasmooth dub/reggae atmosphere.
Imho, this is a far more trippy number, than Trippin was supposed to be.
When Yuki finally articulates "Loverlover take a ride with me", the proposition sounds fairly appealing.
The song is a river, let yourself drift :-)
07 - No AngelThe melancholic atmosphere of No Angel gives us a moment to rest and think about our position.
Yuki is accompanied by some acoustic guitars and tells us about the seven deadly sins and her life as “No Angel”.
08 - You Got MeJust when we thought, it could not get better, the stomping rhythm of "You got me" comes to life.
A bassline, which somehow reminded me of Hang Tough emphasizes Yuki's voice.
"You got me wanting
You got me waiting - anticipating"
09 - BelieveWhat could be said about "Believe"?
This is just the right tune for a cruise in your car, a trifle pensive, a little bit sad, but ultimately resolving on a note of hope and joy.
"There's something that I just got to find, before I get to where I wanted to go"
10 - BlueIt seems that, on every Fluke Album, the final track is always somewhat special.
Blue is no exception.
Yuki's lyrics are full of despair and sadness.
Gentle pianos accompany her melancholy.
"This ain't the way that it was meant to be" she whispers.
Will she find confidence again? Will she find hope?
You will find out - right out of Blue
Well, that's the rundown for now. I'll add the promo to the discography soon.
There will also be an announcement of the winner of the remix contest in the next week or so, along with the new tracks themselves!
Hang tough!
Martin and jUSTIN