Album of the Week

Yves Tumor has emerged as one of the most versatile and boundary-pushing artists in modern music. Following their critically acclaimed 2020 album, Heaven to a Tortured Mind, Tumor returns with their fourth studio album, Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume, or simply, Hot Between Worlds. Produced by Noah Goldstein (Frank Ocean, Rosalía) and mixed by Alan Moulder (My Bloody Valentine, Nine Inch Nails), the album is the perfect fusion of different genres (especially when considering those involved) including rock, psychedelia, electronica, pop, and groove.

Growing up in Tennessee, Tumor taught themselves music production as a way of coping with boredom. This DIY approach to music-making has allowed them to cultivate a distinctive sound that is both raw and polished. After leaving Tennessee to marry the Berlin underground under Mykki Blanco’s wing, Sean Bowie (in civilian life) came to light in 2016 thanks to Serpent Music, a strange collage of instrumental tracks released by the experimental label Pan Records, where their love for Motown is diluted in ambient, noise and industrial sounds. This was enough to catch the eye of Warp, who signed him two years later for the breathtaking Safe in the Hands of Love, which revealed their talents as a songwriter.

Influenced by a diverse range of artists, Tumor has created a sound that defies easy categorization. In an interview with the one and only (also an influence of theirs) Courtney Love, Tumor cited the Temptations, Kansas, Led Zeppelin, and MC5 as some of their earliest musical influences. However, Tumor’s musical tastes have evolved over time, and they now draw inspiration from a wide range of genres, including dance music, house, techno, and ambient noise music.

Across the eleven tracks on Hot Between Worlds, Tumor showcases their rock outlaw personality, experimenting with everything from thudding baselines and shrill screams to celestial choirs and almost pop-punk tunes. While the songs on the album are undoubtedly catchy, they are far from predictable. Tumor’s willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles sets them apart from their peers. On the first listen, Hot Between Worlds is thoroughly enjoyable, but it is only on repeated listens that you can fully appreciate the depth and complexity of Tumor’s music.

Yves Tumor’s Hot Between Worlds is a testament to their versatility and creativity as an artist. By blending different genres and styles, they have managed to create a sound that is uniquely their own. Their willingness to push the boundaries of music has earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, and this latest release is sure to solidify their position as one of the most exciting artists of our time.