Wu Lyf - Go Tell Fire To The Mountain

The ongoing stalemate between WU LYF and the UK music industry has been leading to this point. ‘Go Tell Fire to the Mountain’ is the self released, self produced debut of the most subtle yet effervescent band in the UK. After what seemed like a never-ending stream of mysterious PR stunts, we can finally put flesh on the translucent bones of WU LYF. But are the tunes any good? Time for the collective sigh of all the hyper-uppers and clarion callers; yes is the definitive answer.

Opener ‘L Y F’ fades in with regal organ chords before descending into a reverb laden emotional stretch, Ellery Roberts gravelly call echoing into the abyss of the church in which ‘Go Tell Fire to the Mountain’ was recorded. The acoustics of the recording environment are apparent in every song, bringing an atmospheric reverberation to every thudding tom and organ chord. Despite having a simple formula of vocals, guitar, organ, drums and bass WU LYF manage to wring a wide selection of tones from their respective instruments. ‘Summas Bliss’ sounds like TLF era Foals until the scratchy, almost Followill-esque vocals come through, and ‘We Bros’ features similarly sub-aquatic guitars with rolling bass drums giving way to a surfy breakdown of beachside guitars and fairground drum beats. Closer ‘Heavy Pop’ has been a live standout since their first gigs at Manchester’s ‘An Outlet’. Piano chimes flit in and out of sight before the organ and guitar come through, followed by drums and finally Ellery’s gritty cry. Before you can savour this almighty crescendo it goes back to the calm of the beginning. This song is a suitable summary of WU LYF’s work. ‘Go Tell Fire to the Mountain’ is an album of highs and lows, not allowing you to settle in to one sound, WU LYF don’t do mediocre.

This is an album which never loses momentum, and despite it being impossible to learn the words to it you will most probably fall in love with it. WU LYF have stumbled on the formula for the never-ending problem with this country’s music scene, but now that their masks have been lifted will it last? Only time will tell. For those acquainted with WU LYF this album is plain sailing, but this voyage is one too compelling to miss.