Yucca is a genus of perennial shrubs and trees in the family Asparagaceae subfamily Agavoideae. Its 40-50 species are notable for their rosettes of evergreen, tough, sword-shaped leaves and large terminal panicles of white or whitish flowers. They are native to arid parts of North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. It is also the debut album of Milk Maid.
Yucca was recorded in Martin Cohen's flat with fellow Milk Maid members, Ian Hodson, Rick Entezari and Adam Carless. The rough recording suits the rough subject matter, but not the silky smooth music.
It all starts with “Such Fun” opening up with some really fun guitar riff that seems like it would be in place in some Fall Out Boy song but then the lyrics start and you realise that it far more NIN. In fact, these lyrics make Trent Renzor seem positively euphoric.
“I know a man who will cut your throat out for a buck or two”
Yep. No happy pop happening here...
What really trips me out though is that it is almost subliminal because the vocals are distorted by the happy pop melody. You really have to pay attention to understand that these are quite... messed up songs.... However, in the same stroke you are bopping along anyway!
This continues happening through the album with the next stand out being “Dead Wrong.” I had to listen to the song a few times to get the exact lyrics, but even though I didn't know what he was singing I was tapping along to the music. When I found out what he was singing, I was singing too!
“Dead wrong, your killing yourself to cut your arms off.
Stabbing yourself in the guts,
You keep on holding on to a heavy stone,
That will drag you under if you don't let go.”
Don't freak out though! Not all of the songs are dark and dank!
“Girl” is the example I will whip out now. It's a sweet song about a lost love and the home recorded sound rough rock sound transforms into something soft and kind. The music supports this song really well, cleaner, smoother but still fun.
I love the fingerpicking in “Same As What” and the lyrics somewhat glum lyrics
“You're not worth the family that carries your name,
And you just say, you need more time,
You can't have mine.”
Yucca is tied off with “Someone You Thought You Forgot,” a sad slow ballad. Very nice.
I really love how Milk Maid has managed to mix the pop music to their dark lyrics without making it sound try hard. It does have a certain air of eeriness. Yucca- great album, best savoured loudly when a couple in front of you on the train INSISTS on sucking face. Worst savoured walking home alone in the dark. Don't do that. It makes you jump at leaves. Creepy....
- Koala
Buy here: Yucca
No youtube links, but a sound cloud one!
http://soundcloud.com/suffering-jukebox/such-fun-milk-maid