Residue. Yea-Ming and the Rumours

To me it remains fascinating that young musicians have a fascination with music from way before their time and perhaps even their parents'. In the case of Yea-Ming Chen it must be her parents. Residue sounds like music coming from a time machine. With a voice like Nico (Crista Päffgen) without the German accent and too much life behind her, she emulates that dreaminess The Velvet Underground had within it also. Even more so with Doug Yule as co-singer than Nico. The prickly pears that John Cale infused into The Velvets' sound had gone by then.

The result coming out of Yea-Ming Chen's mouth is a mix of Nico and French sigh girls of the 1960s. The way she sings is completely safe. There's no danger whatsoever within earshot on Residue. The Rumours provide the exact right background for this voice. The music is somewhat indie. The lightest version of R.E.M. is not far away. Think a song like 'Nightswimming'. The indie gets a sixties twist, where I'm reminded of Nancy Sinatra as well as The Walker Brothers but both stripped of the bombast that the producers added to their most famous songs. So, indeed The Velvet Underground stripped of the danger. 'Candy Says', 'Pale Blue Eyes' and 'After Hours' are good examples of this.

With Residue Yea-Ming and The Rumours released its fourth album. For me its my first, so there's nothing to compare to. Although I understand that The Rumours are more of a project than a band, the current line up is Yea-Min Chen, vocals, guitar, organ; Eóin Galvin, lead guitar, lap steel, vocals; Luke Robbins, drums, percussion, vocals and Rob Good, bass, lead guitar, vocals. Together they lay down an album, that after the moderately loud, by comparison that is, opening track 'Paper Doll, ís an album filled with tranquil tracks. Not rocking the boat seems to be the concept. Yes, also in the faster songs, like 'Cold'.

This comes with a risk. When not paying close attention, the album will pass you by. Paying only moderate attention will make you think the album is boring. That makes Residue an album to pay attention to, invest in by listening with attentive ears. The investment is rewarding, as Residue is a good album worth spending your time with. The single 'Cheap Thrill' put me on the trail of Residue and the single proves to be a great key opening up the album. If you like the first two songs on Residue, the rest will follow effortlessly.

Yes, Residue will come across like a time machine, but a rewarding one. After more than just a few years in music Yea-Ming Chen (and band) has a new fan. I'm signing up.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght 

 

You can listen to and order Residue here:

https://yea-ming.bandcamp.com/album/residue