yes please

Lullabys.
All those arguments.
Too many sick days in a row.
A few memorable conversations.
Beautiful love (in all it's various forms).
Solitary crying sessions. Aww.

"An Olympia transplant now residing in Oakland's vibrant DIY scene, Lily Maring charms listeners as Yes Please on her debut full length, For Now For Then For Them, with an awe-inspiring voice backed by immersive instrumentals. Mixing elements of early CocoRosie with ambient experimentation comparable to the likes of The Books, For Now boasts an assortment of captivating songs, from the multi-layered, vocals-only tracks "Still Beating" and "Shed All Over" to more thickly orchestrated numbers featuring contributions from friends on harp and saw. Maring's sentimental lyricism and imagery shine brightly throughout as she sings affectionately of heartbreak and flirtatious playfulness against the warm plucking of nylon strings, in a manner similar to that of Kimya Dawson.

Tracks such as "Yes For Now" and "Ready, Go" best illustrate Maring's ability to craft meticulously nonchalant songs with vocal and guitar loops that blend naturally together. "Guarden," falling perfectly in the middle of the album, makes for an eerie interlude of mesmerizing percussion and haunting wails, and a strong sense of mysticism pervades the track's atmospherics. For Now closes with the aptly named "Smoothie," a delectable pop jam featuring finger snaps so catchy listeners can't help but smile and bob their heads.

With a singing style akin to Bjork, Cat Power and Joanna Newsom, Maring's utmost control over her vocal range allows her the precision to hypnotize audiences with soft, gentle whispers and surprisingly overpowering song. Refining a sound that is both familiar and sincere, the easily lovable Yes Please has crafted an album that is simply playful, whimsical and refreshing indie pop."

Performer Magazine - San Francisco, CA - 10/08