REVIEW: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs mix it up with “It’s Blitz”

The trio from New York City released their 4th studio album, “Mosquito,” April 16. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs ditch their poppy sound from last album “It’s Blitz” and return to their artsy raw side that made us fall in love with them in the first place. Most of “Mosquito” relies on Nick Zinner’s (guitarist) signature guitar riffs and Karen O’s (singer) huge rock ‘n’ roll persona.

The new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album even has aliens, magic and a Gospel choir? “Mosquito” is really playful and has a lot of different sides to it. Still, it’s not my favorite from the group.

Karen actually gives some of the singing role to Dr. Octagon on “Buried Alive.” Did I forget to mention that there’s a guest rapper on this album? That’s where the Yeah Yeah Yeahs show their soulful side on their first single “Sacrilege.” It’s a powerful song that was inspired by and written in New Orleans.

In fact, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs seem like they were inspired by very specific ideas throughout the entire album. “Area 52,” The Yeah Yeah Yeahs attempt at writing a science fiction song, is very tongue in cheek with lines like “Message came from outer space. Future of the human race.” and “Take me as your prisoner.” It’s a great track that stands out from all the others on “Mosquito.”

In “Mosquito,” Karen O can steal your heart with her sweet innocent voice and also sound like she’s leading a riot with her iconic scream. Her personality is all over the album. In titled track, “Mosquito” she repeats “They’ll suck your blood!” and imitates a mosquito’s buzz in between verses. It’s hard not to smile when listening to Karen sing on the new album.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs worked with the brilliant James Murphy, formally of LCD Soundsystem, on one track and longtime producer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio.

While “Mosquito” is my least favorite album by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, it still has a handful of fun tracks, and should be given a listen.