We’re fans of the DFA label here at Kspace, as you’ve probably figured out, so we’re always excited for a new release from them. The latest from the New York-based imprint, however, set us for a loop – in the best way. DFA of course is famed for enlivening dance music with rock band dynamics (a la LCD Soundsystem and the Rapture), retro-futurism (the Juan Maclean), and helping to spearhead the current neo-disco movement. But DFA also has their experimental side, which explains releases from the likes of Black Dice, Gavin Russom and Delia Gonzalez – and Hollow Me/Beautiful, the new album by Yura Yura Teikoku.

Reading that, you might be saying “Yura who?” In fact, in their Japanese homeland, Yura Yura Teikoku are something of a household name, having existed for two decades making uncategorizably beautiful psychedelic rock. Actually, YYT makes kaleidoscopic sounds that, while fairly avant in their approach, are far catchier than most of DFA’s more experimental fare. As well, it’s not hard to see how YYT’s akimbo vocal cadences have clearly influenced James Murphy’s singing in LCD Soundsystem, especially on the standout album track “Dekinai.” If anything, YYT’s playful combination of funk and freakiness recalls the swinging krautrock of

Can, or maybe even the Flaming Lips when they hit the perfect balance of oddness,  syncopated groove and trippy prog melody.  And in keeping with DFA tradition, “Dekinai” is, naturally, danceable – but on its own nutty terms, which seems apropos considering all involved.