CYHSY are unsigned, have never toured outside New York City and few details about them are known other than the oft mentioned David Bowie appearance at a recent Manhattan show. Rave reviews rippling out of the Big Apple are regularly followed with comparisons to seminal new wave group The Talking Heads. Similarities abound, notably in the David Byrne evoking vocals of leader Alec Ounsworth. New York rock darlings with mentions of rock legends, no pressure.

“Clap Your Hands Say Yeah prove that it's still possible for a band to get heard, given enough talent and perseverance, without a PR agency or a label.” - PITCHFORK

“Neutral Milk Hotel and the Talking Heads had Arcade Fire as their son. Meet illegitimate daughter Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.” – Review on metacritic.com

The comparisons to Byrne are fair, but inherently flawed. David Byrne has one of the most unique voices in rock history. Sounding like Byrne is a telling association for sure, but the point behind it is that a similarly unique voice has emerged. I would add that Ounsworth sounds like a chirpier Thom Yorke, less wail, equal incoherence, sonically powerful, but with a bit less depressing drone. Early adopting indie kids are salivating at the freshness of a band this pure, sans gimmick, and with no traditional media coverage save for an odd Page 6 mention due to, what else, Bowie’s appearance.

Swankster headquarters is delighted with the offering. A perfectly balanced, absurdly original indie pop release that refines itself upon repeated listening. Improving and brightening with each listen, until you get to the point where the 40 minute work barely satiates. Oh and the name is about as fun as any. (Somewhere a promoter is working the Yeah Yeah Yeahs & Clap Your Hands Say Yeah tour)

We’ve received requests from several readers for song clips of the quasi-weekly Merry Swankster picks. While the Slant cannot accommodate these wishes, we can do the next best thing. Head over to the band's site and download the three tracks below. After you fall in love and want more, head on over to insound and buy the CD. You’ll feel good supporting independent music, especially grossly talented ones. All purchases include bonus conversation topic for run-ins with in-the-know scenesters, or Bowie.

TEAR DOWN ALL THE BORDERS; OR ABBREVIATE THE LIST

Over and Over Again (Lost & Found) – A dirty, low slung bass anchors muddled statements of early adulthood anxiousness, presumed happiness and other trivialities of postmodern self actualization. “Success is so forbidding, but it makes me think I’m winning” reminds of Franz Ferdinand’s Matinee, “I made it - What I made is unclear.”

Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood – Acoustic chords ramp up the start of this soaring organ-bathed call of arms to jokingly save our nation’s “child stars.” This Gawker inspired mock-condemnation of our young celebrities has me imagining Lindsay Lohan “going out to bars, and getting into cars.” The link has become inescapable. As lovely as Miss Lohan may be, it’s getting annoying. I hope I didn’t ruin it for you.

In This Home On Ice – Danceable all night. Gorgeous harmonies with a lush, dense soundscape. Turn this one up.

- The Merry Swankster 7/22/05

:CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH – Above tracks available for download @: www.clapyourhandssayyeah.com

:Fans of the album will want to check out Alec Ounsworth’s website for an early solo demo of Details of the War.

Tags: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Hype, David Bowie, David Byrne