CD of The Week

Tune-Yards - Better Dreaming (4AD)

Over 15 years ago, Merrill Garbus burst on the scene with Tune-Yards, mixing polyrhythmic beats with electronic programming and loops of her own unique voice. Eventually becoming an official duo with her husband, bassist Nate Brenner, Tune-Yards has built a one-of-a-kind sound and distinct perspective. They’re back with their sixth record, Better Dreaming, stripping things back a bit and getting into the groove once more.

The R&B-tinged “Heartbreak” starts the record before picking things up with the beat-heavy “Swarm.” Reminiscent of their live experience as looped and layered vocals build and build, it’s a call to arms to stand together against the forces of hate, as Garbus sings, “Turn away from those who hate you / Turn to meet the ones that keep you warm / Turn away the absent future / Turn away, and we'll become the swarm.”

Sociopolitical themes have always been a part of Tune-Yards’ music and it’s hard not to read into tracks like the sparse “Never Look Back,” about a liar who brags, “Watch me sucker punch you right between the eyes / It's all going down like I fantasized.”

The celebratory, playful “Limelight” features samples of a child’s voice, presumably Garbus and Brenner’s own, the baby who’s “alright” in the lyrics. The future of the next generation is on their mind on the dreamy, trippy title track, as well as “Get Through,” which questions how to make it through these difficult days – “Looks like there are no words for terror in a young kid's eyes / For a child raised under unbreathable skies.”

“Suspended” is a great showcase for Garbus's singing and what she can do, layered on top of a cacophony of sounds. “How Big is the Rainbow?” is a big and bold dance jam with a repetitive mantra, again taking a stand against hatred. “See You There” is a slight song and a scene that could be straight out of Andor, or America’s own not-too-distant future, of spotting an enemy conspirator taken down and laid low after the fall.

Less big and bright than some of their best work, Better Dreaming is still an enjoyable listen anchored by Brenner's bass and Garbus's inventiveness, taking stock of a world in turmoil and dreaming of a better one. After all, you can’t place a tariff on dreams… dreaming is free.
Review by Joey O.