From Whence It Came
Artist: The Yes Pleases
Website: http://www.myspace.com/theyespleases
Label: Elitist Low Brow Records
Tracks: 10 Tracks/34 min
 

Out of the rubble of my renovated home appeared the Yes Pleases 2009 release, _From Whence It Came_.  Which could have been a valid question (where did this cd come from I stood pondering for a few moments) until I realized where it did come from, and that I had better let you guys know about it before I get into trouble (again) from the Tollbooth editor (please don’t beat me any more master).  
 
Talking about beats, this disc opens up with some that may just set you feet a tapping, and your booty a shaking.  But don’t be fooled by the opening track, Designer.  For all its early eighties sounding beats, the Yes Please are more lo-fi rock than eighties electro rip offs.
 
In fact the whole album is a confluence of eclecticism that would under normal circumstance drive me to the very precipice of insanity as I try to keep my interest and get into the “flow” of the album.  However, the Yes Pleases managed to not only keep my interest, but my sanity as they flip from sounding something like the Beach Boys on the title track, to Jeff Beck on their song, Vortex, and manages to touch or be influenced by several artists and styles all over the disc without losing me.  They sound a bit Brit Pop and Grunge at the same time on some tracks? I can only put it down to their vocalist, Josh Bates, marvelous falsetto and vocal gymnastics, pretty decent musicianship, and the deft production of Duane Lundy and the Yes Pleases.  
 
Lyrically they have managed to side step the usual and predictive love, pain, and life sucks lyrics that only ever depresses me.  For example, one of their love songs, Successful Face Transplant­, opens with the lines, “ I like your face, Would you like to trade. Your eyes they shine, But I’ll keep mine.”  Despite that it still manages to sound like a love song, and even a bit romantic.  If you are interested, the Pleases do not approach life from a Christian view.     
 
At the end of they day, From Whence It Came, sounds like it came from a fantastic jam session where the guys were exploring where they would go with their music, and we have been invited along for the ride.  I am not a fan of lo-fi, but I must admit that this is a great maiden release that may manage to keep your interest and sanity as you roll along on the eclectic lo-fi roller coaster that is the Yes Pleases.  

Robert Boynton