Nineteen-year-old British singer-songwriter George van den Broek (Yellow Days) continues to grow as he searches for fame. But is Yellow Days’ new song what we expected?
George and his band match the melody of an aching heart with their rhythmic riffs and bucolic ballads, and their latest release ‘How can I love you?’ is another heartfelt piece in their acid-infused jazz jigsaw. Swinging your head to the dreamy dissonance of a dulcet riff upon ivory keys, has never felt better. The loose piano run is reminiscent of sitting in a 1920s jazz café, as cigarette smoke stains your felt fedora. The wavy ostinato (upmarket word for riff or ‘motif’) and charming staccatos leave you slipping into a mellow reverie.
Is this Yellow Days, though? Where’s the funky synth? Where’s the syncopated guitar? But then, the familiar crackle of George’s voice returns to compliment the jazzy melody. His soulful vocal presence harks back to Ray Charles and Elmore James, a mature voice that sounds like it’s really lived a life; overwhelming the listener with a deft ability to channel emotions. Shortly followed by a punchy synth run that brings back the funk-esque indie vibe that is synonymous with ‘Yellow Days’.
The synesthetic experience of the song will make fans fall hopelessly in love with the rainbow of colours blended into ‘How can I love you?’, and fans of R&B will sink into the abyss biting their lip over George’s powerful soul adlibs.
To answer the earlier question: ‘how can I love you?’ isn’t what fans of Yellow Days expected – it’s more. The song has given fans a glimpse of George’s future music and capability as a musician, whilst still holding on to that sweet Yellow Days flavour. With this new addition to his collection, George proves he is worthy of a very niche spot in today’s indie landscape.
