Review of Naked Yoga’s album “Tracks”
Naked Yoga, a distinctive London band, was born out of an impromptu session at Kentish Town’s MAP Cafe in 2022. Consisting of Sebastien “Dudu” Froment on bass, Adrien Baudrimont on guitar, and Dan Meier on drums, the band has cultivated a vibrant and varied electronic rock-jazz sound that has garnered attention at local music spots and events like the Camden Rock Festival and FESTIV’HAUL in Normandy.
Their latest digital offering, Tracks, serves as the follow-up to their debut album, Triangle. Recorded five months prior to its release, Tracks is an innovative and captivating collection that the band describes as “five slabs of electro-cinematic disco-jazz inspired by trains, alpacas, and David Lynch.”
The album kicks off with “Station,” featuring a playful French railway station announcement by a flirtatious female voice. This sets the stage for a melodic and dynamic electro-rock piece that simulates the movement of a train with its energetic and uplifting chords that evoke images rushing past in the mind.
The next track, “Coffee,” introduces robotic digital vocals offering coffee, leading into a blend of rich guitar and electronic tones that transition into celestial and otherworldly sounds before picking up a pronounced 70s rock vibe with guitars and drumbeats.
“Michel the Alpaca” begins with a quirky and whimsical prelude, followed by lively instrumentals and a surreal chorus that exudes energy. Drawing from classic rock influences, the song features driving bass and drums interspersed with off-key notes and soft guitar melodies.
“Aztec” takes a more eccentric turn with discordant tones that evolve into mellow chimes and hints of soul, punctuated by electronic interjections and a military cadence, all culminating in a smooth rock section.
The final track, “Scream Train,” starts with an evocative lead-in reminiscent of Japanese warriors before transitioning into a dynamic guitar-driven piece with exotic and mellow notes. The song builds suspense and drama, unfolding like a story before reaching a thrilling drum-filled finale.
Tracks is primarily instrumental and showcases Naked Yoga’s exceptional talent in composition, arrangement, and performance. As a relatively new band, they have proven to be a promising and skilled group worth keeping an eye on in the years to come.
With Tracks released on 23rd February 2025, Naked Yoga continues to solidify their place in the music scene with their unique and captivating sound. For more information on the album or to order a copy, visit Naked Yoga’s website and experience the mesmerizing world of their music firsthand.
In conclusion, Naked Yoga’s Tracks is a masterful blend of electro-cinematic disco-jazz that showcases the band’s creativity and musical prowess. Fans of experimental and dynamic music will find Tracks to be a refreshing and thrilling addition to their collection, solidifying Naked Yoga’s position as a band to watch in the contemporary music landscape.