The London-based quartet have revived early ‘90s pop from the likes of Pavement, Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. through gems like “The Wall” and “Holing Out” from their self-titled debut last year. Patrick Benjamin chats to guitarist Max Bloom before the group’s Laneway debut.

In your teens, you were the bassist of indie pop sensations Cajun Dance Party—how’s that different from Yuck?  
We were only 15 when we started Cajun Dance Party as a fun school band project, but it all became too serious and out of hand when we were signed to make a record. I guess we said all that we wanted to say musically in that one album. I wanted to be more than just a bassist which is something I get to do in Yuck.

What's the writing process like?
Daniel and I are the main writers. He usually comes up with the lyrics and vocals while I conjure the arrangement and record instrumentals. Having said that, it's a loose working relationship because we do switch roles.

What usually attracts you to a song?
Personally, I don't usually give a damn about the lyrics, I have always been Into music like Grandaddy's. You don't need words to hit you on an emotional plane.

Which band would you like to emulate?
Sparklehorse is a great band to live up to. Not only do they make emotional records, but they are also challenging to produce.

Your debut album was a splendid ‘90s throwback, any idea how the follow-up is going to sound?
I'm not going to try and explain how our next album is going to sound, but it will definitely be a clear difference. Our tastes have changed a lot since the first album was recorded, and I guess different things give me shivers now as opposed to back then.

What can expect at the Laneway gig?
Expect four people looking really indifferent onstage. Just kidding. We play quite differently live to how we sound on record. You'll have to come and see us to find out what that means exactly.

Yuck plays on February 12, Laneway Festival, Fort Canning Park.

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