Keen followers of Yuck may remember a limited-edition cassette release last summer, under the cheeky name of Yu(c)k; titled “Weakend” and released on Mirror Universe Tapes, it took a sharp left from the scuzzy indie pop gems the foursome are renowned for producing, and was, instead, a collection of pared down, austere piano ballads which were devastating in their stark simplicity and unflinching beauty.
Oupa, the new project from Yuck frontman Daniel Blumberg, picks up right where that EP left off, and is, in actual fact, an expansion/ immersion of all things Yu(c)k. Continuing on from the sombre, heartbreaking likes of “Daughter” and “Automatic”, the debut LP Forget, set to be released in June, collects together 7 tracks of haunting fragility, utterly spellbinding songs with a specific, direct hotline to the heart, mesmerizing in its air of hushed, sacred reverie, almost too intimate to bear witness to. The pervading atmosphere is one of loss and regret to be sure, but the songs transcend any easy categorization by virtue of being too idiosyncratic, too sublime, too timeless.
Oupa will also be taking to the road shortly, making his live debut at this year’s SXSW Festival (at the Transparent x Gorilla Vs Bear showcase) before heading out on select dates with kindred spirit Porcelain Raft later this month and supporting Sebadoh in NYC.
OUPA
03/17 Austin, TX Transparent / Gorilla Vs. Bear SXSW Party
03/25 London, UK St. Pancras Old Church *
04/03 London, UK Blue Flowers (Curated by Oupa)
04/07 New York, NY Glasslands *
04/09 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom #
04/11 Nashville, TN The Basement *
* = w/ Porcelain Raft
# = w/ Sebadoh
Oupa
Forget
(label TBA)
Street date: June, 2011
OUPA LINKS:
Band site – http://oupamusic.com/