Yui - Childs

Static Discos - Sta016

19 December 2006

Childs debut “Yui” builds on an impressive portfolio with a central electronic current released by Static Discos, the Tijuana based independent label.  The collection of songs represents the culmination of 5 years work by Paul Marron and Memo from Ensenadas, Baja California, now based in Mexico City.  They embody the classic introvert/ extrovert combination whose natural harmony manifests itself in the music produced.

The complete Childs concept is one of innocence and naivety from the artwork (and the band’s name??) to the sound they produce.  “Yui” starts with a karma cleansing introduction and moves through an hour of sublime, seductive electronica.  The meticulously constructed tracks create a dreamy flow intended to dislodge you from a harsh reality before easing you gently back into your corrupted self.

Melancholic melodies, classic clicks and breaking beats are combined with a desirable level of distortion when needed.  This belies an apprenticeship served under the Nimbostatic pioneer bands such as Sonios who have provided the core talent for the evolving label.  In fact both Murcof (Fernando Corona) and Fax (Ruben Tamayo), the most internationally renowned of Static’s artists have had some creative input on the project.   

There is a solid backbone within “Yui” that represents the fundamental Childs. The central tracks of the album; “Marysal”, “Oliver” and “Mariana” all display the gradual building of complexity starting with simple loops complemented by a range of instrumentation and voice, finally arriving at an almost orthodox song construction. A beautiful repetitive progression is achieved that makes for a compelling totality.

The Childs experience is always highly personal, one of isolation and removal from place and time, whether consumed in the privacy of one’s own bedroom, enjoyed while sitting on a crowded metro or even at a live event.  The overall package is one that creates the suggestion of future memories of a perfect childhood that will never exist but still create a calming influence in a troubled present. 

The band could go many ways in the future either by adding more instruments and impact to drive home the solid melodies which underlie their songs, or through a further deconstructing of their work to arrive at their bare and essential selves. Taken in this context “Yui” represents the start of an interesting progression towards maturity for Childs.