Who are they?
Yuck are Londoners Daniel Blumberg (vocals), Max Bloom (guitar), New Jersey's Jonny Rogoff (drums) and Hiroshima-born Mariko Doi (bass). Their Yu(c)k offshoot ditches the rhythm section, adding piano and Blumberg's 15-year-old sister, Ilana, on ethereal vocals.
Hmm. What's the difference between Yuck and Yu(c)k?
Yuck have made a splash on the live circuit with a guitar-driven mix of 90s shoegazing and grunge. Yu(c)k make beautiful, fragile music without guitars – like Bon Iver crossed with Galaxie 500.
We're confused. Why two bands?
After the collapse of the much-talked-about Cajun Dance Party – when they were 15 – Blumberg and Bloom sought to play noise rock. They hooked up with Rogoff after a chance encounter in a kibbutz and singing bassist Mariko in London. But after touring with ear-bashers Dinosaur Jr and Built to Spill, they sought quieter music.
We understand. So which is better? Yuck or, er, Yu(c)k?
Opinions vary, but we prefer the gentler, version – Yu(c)k's song Automatic is so weightless it's almost perfect, while Daughter remodels Glasvegas's Geraldine riff on piano to mesmerising effect.
Where can I hear them?
Music and info on both bands are at yuckband.blogspot.com and myspace.com/yuckband
Dave Simpson
