I almost posted the new single "Maniac" from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s upcoming album Hysterical without even listening to it. That’s how good I feel about this band, having eaten up their self-titled debut album and follow-up Some Loud Thunder with relish. When the band disbanded, I was distraught over what might have been. The frontman Alec Ounsworth is a rare vocal talent in the Stipe mold, but his talents never sound so perfect as when they float above Clap Your Hands Say Yeah compositions. Ounsworth’s solo departure with Mo Beauty was disappointing – same voice, but lacking the tension of a classic CYHSY tune.
So when I heard that Clap Your Hands Say Yeah was joining up again for a third album, the world seemed to make sense once more (minus the war, poverty, famine stuff). But then I heard a promo track from an album teaser & was woefully underwhelmed. Had they lost their magic?
I’m happy to report that this new single "Maniac" is a strong improvement on that early listen. Check it out, along with "Statue", also released during CYHSY’s "time off." Who can say whether the new album will reach their former heights — if you’re a fan, though, you will surely give it a judicious listen. Download the "Maniac" single via the embedded doohickey below and enjoy!
"Maniac"
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"Statues"
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