Say Yes Dog

About

" Brainiac house for melancholic benders "

“Cerebral” is perhaps a strange adjective to associate with downtempo disco, but if you think about it, it makes perfect sense: witness the meticulous craft and intelligence that goes into creating each of Hot Chip’s mesmerising releases. We could say the same for Berlin-based trio Say Yes Dog, now onto their third album. Once hailed by The Guardian as “Europe’s best-kept electro-pop secret”, their brainiac synthpop is now firmly established in the minds of critics and fans alike – so much so, they’ve been compiling playlists for Cool Hunting and playing sold out shows the world over.

That new album, ‘DRÄI’, represents a subtle evolution in their sound. Leaning further into their melancholic, wistful tendencies, there’s a gentle yet stylish edge to these ten tracks. Take the downtempo ‘3(Home)’, with its plaintive chorus, or the ghostly synth washes and detached vocals of ‘Cold’; not sad, just thoughtful and brooding. And there are still hints of funk – ‘On And On’ and ‘Stay’ – and rays of sunshine sprinkled liberally throughout; there are some absolutely gorgeous guitar tones and little synth squiggles here, deployed with a mischievous sense of fun.

Want to dance? ‘Not Your Thing’ and ‘Note To Self’ should see even the most committed wallflower throw caution to the wind and shapes on the dancefloor. Yet down the disco is just one setting where this music works perfectly. Equally, you might hear it soundtracking the coolest bar in town. This, really, is what sets Say Yes Dog apart – they engage your limbs and your brain, sating both equally. Isn’t that clever?