The subject of migration, immigration, refugee status, and the displacement of people, not to mention all the associated political, cultural, social, and legal ramifications and arguments, is a pretty hot topic at the moment. But then, it has always been but only seems to hit the headlines in the West when the West is directly involved.
With “Refugee,” YEV cuts to the chase, ignores the political minefield and social posturing, and puts himself in the shoes of the refugee fleeing a war; it could be a Ukrainian mother, A Syrian child, a family from Myanmar or people from a hundred other locations fleeing war or disaster or the effects of climate change or political oppression. It is something that adds even more poignancy, given his Ukrainian-American heritage.
Musically, he plays it perfectly, his voice imploring and tinged with sadness. The music is understated and driving, with a relentless groove that emulates the miles traveled and the trudged to find safety. A guitar break with a fabulous arabesque feel echoes the Eastern sounds that would have been the music traditions of many of those caught up in such tragedies today.
“Refugee” is just one of many songs on his eponymous debut album that deal with situations and get inside them, connecting the listener with the victims. Forget the global power plays, the social politics, and how so-called statesmen use these people and their plight as pawns in a game that will never really hurt them. This song, and indeed this album, get to the heart of what is essential, and that is that these are people, people just like you or me.
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