Yerçekimi - Yerçekimi

Yerçekimi

Yerçekimi
Otomat; 2014

4.3 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

The four-piece band Yerçekimi comprised of Emre Aypar, Altan Sebuktekin, Barkın Engin and Burak Yıldırım formed in 2010 and recently released their self-titled debut Yerçekimi. I can’t understand a single word that is being sung but that didn’t stop it from being one of the most enjoyable albums I have had the pleasure of listening to this year. 

Yerçekimi is a gorgeous record from head to toe and it all starts with the production. The band's original idea was to make a very ambient record sounding record. I for one can tell you that they achieved this and then some. It’s a lush sprawling sound that envelops you in a good way and won’t let go. 

Perhaps the most impressive aspect about the album is that it was a complete DIY effort. The album was recorded in the band's own studio in Hasköy, İstanbul and can easily compete with anything that was done in a world-class studio. It’s beautifully recorded and mixed album and if for some odd reason you don’t appreciate the songs you can appreciate the aesthetics.   

The album lies somewhere between pop and rock but the addition of the mandolin was a factor that helped bring something you don’t hear every day to the table. On top of that each song has a distinct feel but manages to feel connected to the theme of the album.

The album starts off with “Deniz Kenarında” and the first minute or so is a beautiful ambient section that sounds like something you would hear from Stars Of The Lid or Max Richter. You hear subtle vocal harmonies, orchestral strings and panning white noise. It’s short and made me think about what these guys could do if they attempted an entire album made in this style. The transition in the pop/rock material was a bit unexpected but so good it didn’t matter. 

The slightly melancholy but hopeful “Biliyorum” is a certified highlight. There is a fantastic mix of mandolin, reverb laced guitars, and drums and bass on this track but the vocals were still the focal point. “Yanyana” is an emotionally resonant piece that reaches epic peaks while “Zalim Dünya” is a funky, fun song that still somehow works against the other tracks. The closer title track is just as good as anything else on the album. 

Yerçekimi is one of the best albums I have heard this year. There is no reason to pass this up. Highly Recommended. 

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