The name Tune-Yards (also known as tUnE-yArDs) is on everyone’s lips lately, and for good reason. Their new album, ‘I can feel you creep into my private life’, was released on January 19 and sees Tune-Yards creator Merrill Garbus joined by long-time collaborator Nate Brenner. Brenner produced and wrote the album, with lyrics by Garbus. New single ‘Heart Attack’, is out now.
Starting by self-releasing her first album, ‘BiRd-BrAiNs’ on recycled cassettes back in New England, Garbus and Tune-Yards have seen a steady rise in their fortunes, including reaching #4 on the US Billboard Alternative Charts, with ‘Nikki Nack’. The twelve tracks on ‘I can feel you creep into my private life’ tackle subjects such as race, politics, intersectional feminism, and environmental prophecies. Regardless of the topical heaviness, the album is at once both immediate and upbeat – it’s a dance album.
The album was mostly recorded at Tiny Telephone Oakland, California, where the duo are now based, and mastered in Harlem, New York, by Dave Kutch, known for his work with Jay-Z and Chance The Rapper.
The video was directed by Mimi Cave and has been described by Rolling Stone as “ecstatic”. Muted, solid colours, an 80s inspired wardrobe – we get very strong Napoleon Dynamite vibes – work together to create a powerful and emotive, foot tapping and irresistibly dancey clip. Everyone in the video is going about their day to day lives, starting out with paper bags on their heads, unaware they’re about to be overtaken by a “heart attack” – the strong urge to get down and get funky. Merrill leads the way and draws her jolly band to her with song, and the impossible to dismiss, ‘Heart Attack’.
Tune-Yards are currently on tour and will be going all over the US before moving to Europe. You can find details of their dates here on their homepage. You can also find Tune-Yards on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Check out their website for details about how to find their new album, ‘I can feel you creep into my private life’.
