Yves Tumor’s Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) is their most entrancing, defiant album to date.

Yves Tumor may be one of the defining, most important artists of the last decade. I said it, but it’s true. They have been at the forefront of some of the most experimental psych and glam rock, hip-hop and electronic music since their 2011 debut as Teams Dxys Xff. Since then, he’s released some exceptional albums, including 2018’s Safe in the Hands of Love, 2020’s Heaven to a Tortured Mind and of course, 2023’s Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds). It’s a vast world of wailing guitars, synth leads and electronic drums that hit with such soul and love from an artist that is just getting better.

The 12-track, 37 minute album is packed with incredible moments, from the melodic, anthem-like tracks such as “Meteora Blues”, with its acoustic guitars, the groovy bassline and beat that give the track life. Lyrically, the album touches on a plethora of themes such as love, identity and worship in this atmospheric, firey soundscape. Their falsetto and high notes in general pierce through with such power and clarity, it’s impossible not to be enamored with their incredibly versatile voice. Their devilish vocals on the entrancing “Echolalia” are among my favourite on the album, a true gem. The synths, drumming and bassline all groove poignantly throughout, and their vocals are sensual and infectious. “God Is a Circle” however, sets the tone for the album with an incredibly dynamic, bass-driven groove and Yves Tumor’s sensual and moving vocals talking about the failures of love, and the circles of distrust and heartbreak that they have to deal with. The sweet “Lovely Sewer” is beautifully melodic and playful, while “Parody” sounds like this sweet, atmospheric rock ballad, while the funk and psychedelia of “Heaven Surround Us Like a Hood” is powerful and among the highlights. “The Operator” is a menacing, pummelling track with a heaviness to it, in part due to their raspy vocal delivery. “Fear Evil Like Fire” is probably my favourite track at the moment. The playful, grandiose melody, Yves Tumor’s stunning vocals, the catchy guitar riffs and fast-paced drumming makes this a dynamic, feel-good and uplifting track. “Purified by the Fire” on the other hand, is sonically different to all tracks on the album, not only because there’s no singing, but it’s the pure energy coming from the samples and heavy drumming, which is complemented further in the second half of the track with some menacing and visceral basslines and synths that animate the track and make it one of his most energetic and captivating songs to date. “Ebony Eye” closes the album out with an emphatic anthem. The dynamic and sparkly energy is enough to capture all the intensity of the album into one final farewell, and it is stunning.

I don’t know what to say at this point. Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) is their most entrancing, defiant album to date, an immersive listening experience that feels warm and embracing, while also remaining a firey and unassuming listen at times. It’s one of their most complete albums to date, and will definitely rank high on my end-of-year lists, I can already feel it. Go support!