Years & Years – ‘Communion’

Synthpop three-piece Years & Years have been the name on everyone’s minds after winning this year’s BBC’s Sound of 2015 poll. However, the band are by no means the product of a manufactured label machine. They have been working towards this breakthrough for over 3 years; a testament to their talent and drive to finally release their debut record ‘Communion’.

Channelling the sound of indie artists such as Fenech Soler and Friendly Fires, it is refreshing to see how Years & Years have successfully crossed over to the mainstream whilst preserving their electronic and nu-disco roots. Album opener ‘Foundation’ boasts echoing vocals from lead singer Olly Alexander, lyrically contemplating temptation and desire of affection with him proclaiming, “I wanna do what you love” over a scrobble of minimalist synths.

The theme of affection is incredibly prominent on the record, with Alexander openly discussing his dysfunctional relationships, and uncovering essences of vulnerability and sexuality throughout. As a consequence, its title is fitting: ‘Communion’ is defined as “the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings”. On ‘Real’, a single first released by Kitsune Records in 2014, the band combine ambient electronic claps under a realm of confessional lyrics; in particular “And I’ll do what you like if you’ll stay the night”, exposing a longing for a relationship. Similarly, latest single ‘Shine’ is glistening pop perfection that romantically reveals the discovery of love: “It’s you that I’ve been waiting to find”. It is also evident that Alexander wears his heart on his sleeve: something particularly prevalent on the re-worked ‘Eyes Shut’ whereby his delicate, raw vocals expose the turmoil of a broken relationship. Equally, on the R’n’B tinged ‘Worship’, he presents a secretive affair (“I’m not gonna tell nobody bout you”) in a spiritual sounding bed of murky synths and distorted vocals.

Years & Years have successfully crossed over to the mainstream whilst preserving their electronic and nu-disco roots

The collection also sees the band exploring a range of genres. Most notably, the chilled Reggae influenced ‘Take Shelter’ is full of electronic grooves which have made it a dance-worthy feature at the trio’s live shows. Additionally, the 90s-esque house banger ‘Desire’ possesses contagious vocals and drum machine thumps, making it equally danceable. However, the real highlights of the record come from the synth stomping ‘Gold’, with waves of electronic beats, reverbed vocals and a chorus of thunderous drums. In the same vein, the infectious clatters and beats of ‘Border’ make it incredibly single-worthy, which is surprising as the band had already released over half of the album before its release. ‘Ties’ also continues the trend of possible singles, with its memorable chorus and plodding drums matching Alexander’s passionate and thrilling vocal. The following track, ‘King’, is a dance classic in the making with its “wo-oh-oh wo-oh-oh” sounding synths making it massively infectious and deserving of its recent number one title.

They are undoubtedly at their best creating up-tempo dance numbers

However, the record does have some pitfalls. The dreary ‘Without’ falls short of big ballad material, and instead offers a song seemingly rushed lyrically and lacking musical direction. Moreover, in ‘Memo’ Alexander displays a poignant vocal, asserting that he wants more from a partner, but what lets it down is the unnecessary use of synth as opposed to the simple use of piano present at the band’s live shows. These two tracks are enough to highlight that Years & Years are undoubtedly at their best creating up-tempo dance numbers.

Nonetheless, ‘Communion’ is, overall, a solid debut from an electrifying band, whose sound is still unique and whose lyrical content is unpredicted in electronic and pop music. Alexander’s marvellous vocal throughout makes the record instantly recognisable and one of this year’s best. While time will only tell how fresh the record still sounds in the future, it is certainly fresh right now.