By Keith Walsh
In an age when lots of things don’t make sense, it’s good to have art that makes sense by playing with meaning. There’s no more saying things directly: it’s up to us to read between the lines and get to some truths. Slovenia’s Yamamai does this very well with their new tune “Krik amigdale”which translates from Slovenian to English as “Amygdala Scream.” Those of us who follow science know that the amygdala is the part of the brain that’s responsible for emotions. Angular guitars, subtle synth textures and driving drums make this tune quite attractive. The fact that the song describes a kind of postmodern fascination makes it even more exciting.
Yamamai features Enej Mavsar on vocals and guitar, Jakob Gašpir on keyboards and bass synth, and Uraš Kovač on drums.
Though Enej sings the tune in Slovenian, here are the English lyrics he sent to me, which he says are a rough translation.
Krik amigdale (Amygdala scream)
what I hate I forgot
I am patient by nature
this triptych is wonderful
amygdala hijack.
perpendicular and everywhere
waiting for a rebirth
if the world is full of good people
why am I still sleeping on the tree
which I believe I sold
last wishes thirsty
they are all for me and with me
amygdala hijack
the algorithm loves you
the algorithm is walking with you
which I believe I sold
last wishes thirsty
they are all for me and with me
alone I still sleep on the tree
I’m impatient by nature,
waiting for the revival
the world is full of religions
so I still sleep on the tree
It’s fitting that a song welcoming in the new year should be so jarring yet dreamlike, talking of pain and rebirth.
Happy New Year Everyone. May 2021 be much better than 2020.
Yamamai on YouTube
Yamamai on Facebook
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