Yumi Zouma - EP II

Yumi Zouma
EP II
2015

Yumi Zouma with this nice little five track EP called EP II has created something really quite interesting. The music is delicate in a way that let's it still stand up for itself and mean something. Yumi Zouma's use of the synth throughout the record ground it in an 80's vibe but it never feels dated. The songs are just as comfortable sitting in the earbuds as they would be making their rounds on the dance floor. The singer almost intentionally barely hits notes, making you think they she may be off key but it just never happens so you are always on your toes waiting. The shine of this record is something quite great and five tracks is just about the right amount to keep the album flowing exactly where they want it to.

"Catastrophe" and "Song for Zoe and Gwen" are the two standouts on the record. They encompass exactly what the band is about: impeccable bass lines, breezy synth and overlayed vocals barely hanging on in the best way possible. "Catastrophe" in particular is their most concise track, it gets straight to the point without many frills and when the chorus kicks in it really begins to cook. Buyer beware, if you have any disdain for the synth this is not the record for you, besides the vocals it is the main feature. For all the others out there give EP II a shot and get lost in the world (however briefly) of Yumi Zouma.

8 out of 10