Single Review: The Playful, Funk Driven Grooves Of Tune-Yards’ ‘hold yourself.’

Tune-Yards | hold yourself. | 4AD

Release Date: 27 January, 2021

I started remembering that people come to us to be entertained, to move, to feel joy.  And together, I think, we can wake up.

Merrill Garbus

Merrill Garbus and longtime collaborator Nate Brenner make up the eclecticism that is American project Tune-Yards; the indie-duo most well known for their fascinating use of a myriad of different instruments and sounds, as well as consistent genre-bending over the years. With their latest single ‘hold yourself.’ Tune-Yards bring to the table a sunny, bright track that is perfect for these rather dark times.

‘hold yourself.’ is a taste of their upcoming album ‘sketchy.’ set for release via 4AD on March 26th.

The most interesting aspect of ‘hold yourself.’ is definitely the band’s wonderfully uplifting blend of genres that work in perfect harmony with one another. In the track, Tune-Yards cradle their indie-pop aura in a swirling companionship with bold, R&B-esque vocals and danceable, fun funk-driven grooves.

The steady percussion and earworm bassline create a soundscape filled with the urge to move, the urge to belt out the chorus and bridge along with artists as the use of brass instruments and distorted guitars sculpt an upbeat, genuinely enjoyable and playful track in ‘hold yourself.’

Rating: 7 / 10

Feature Image: Tune-Yards by Pooneh Ghana