A bright delight, Yenkee’s Yen glows with realistic hope

Part of Kojaque’s Soft Boy Records, the support of the Dublin based DIY record label has enabled Yenkee to expand his sunshine sound on his latest EP Yen. Dreamily winding past horizons of enchanting synths and mellow drum patterns, Yenkee’s musical soundscape is as tranquil as it is adventurous.

A jazz understone peaks through every so often. "Easy Does It" begins with a Beatles inspired jive riff, while "Dolly" is powered by a wonderful groove, possessing an addictive sing along feel. The playful elements that are scattered through, such as autotuned shouts make Yen nearly mischievous in its direction.

Emulating the likes of Rex Orange County, the record is honest and still possesses dark moments. "Call my Bluff" welcomes you in with twinkling piano and then crashes down with unexpected electric guitar in the chorus. It jolts you out of the ‘away with the fairies’ state that the opening track "Soft Satellite" lures you into, the track becoming more and more dramatic towards the end.

The emotional heart of Yen is "Drive", featuring a voicemail. A thick Dublin accent recalls a white feather floating down in front of his father after receiving a cancer diagnosis, a sign from an angel. Having this moment of harsh reality be interrupted by heavenly hope encapsulates the feel of Yenkee’s music. "It’s a video" echoes Sufjan Stevens’ "Mystery of Love" but instead of a desperate romanticism, Yenkee achieves a feeling of realistic optimism.

Whimsical lyrics paired with nostalgia inducing melodies makes this EP a comforting listen. Imaginative and purposefully rousing, Yen is a curious and exciting precursor to Yenkee’s debut record which will no doubt be even more lucidly sunny.