Great Ytene-Great Ytene EP (Bella Union)

I must profess that I only know about this great English psych band because of the Cheatahs. On a recent Rabid at the Pancake Factory podcast, Cheatahs mentioned how great they thought this band was, and I figured, why not check them out? Their name is derived from an ancient term for the New Forest region on England’s south coast, where they all grew up.

So here I am several weeks later, still greatly enjoying their recently released self-titled EP. Pick any of your favorite 60s psychedelic influenced bands, and you might hear their influence. Or maybe not, who knows? I’ve seen comparisons to Pink Floyd and The Byrds, but I don’t really hear that. Their sound is far more modern than those classic musical predecessors and is rooted squarely in the present, with a few nods to their forbears. Give a listen to opening track, “Away For Now” with its maracas and chilly organ washes, which is a little like Deerhunter. It’s more in the feeling of the music, not the vocals. I rather like the carefully fashioned bits of guitar winding their way through the song, and now that I listen to Deerhunter side by side with this EP, I’m thinking more of The Velvet Underground than anyone else (at least on some songs).

“Hunter” is another song that evokes multiple comparisons in my mind, and yet those band names elude me. The melody winds sinuously through your head, and grabs you from the moment it starts. It is slightly unsettling, yet beautiful at the same time. “Birds” is a sweet slice of pastoral dream pop, with synthesized bird chirps and heavenly harmonies populating the backdrop. And what about “Witch”, and the way it hexes you at the bridge? The EP closes with “Suburban Lights”, a slow burner that builds layers of shimmering goodness into a gorgeous sonic tapestry. I have high hopes for this band and look forward to future endeavors from them.

Follow the band on Facebook or check out their home page.

“Stream the EP here:”