PRAISE FOR ‘GIVE IT HELL’
“Yumi Zouma showcase a gentle melody that deals with staying present, digging deep, and tackling self-doubt, despite the unknown. It’s a cruisy car ride filled with relaxing vocals, uplifting instrumentals, and hopeful melodies that grant the mind breathing space and clarity – allowing us to appreciate the moment amidst the chaos.” – Happy Mag
“‘Give It Hell’ is a cruisy, lighthearted synth-pop number driven by bright, ‘80s pop-channeling keyboards, and a vocal performance that is restrained, but emotive and evocative.” – NME
“…prepare for some dream-pop motivation…” – Under The Radar
New Zealand’s beloved alternative pop band Yumi Zouma today unveil their latest video for new sinlge ‘Mona Lisa’, out now on [PIAS] Australia.
Mixed by Kenny Gilmore (Weyes Blood, Sudan Archives), ‘Mona Lisa’ sees the four-piece continue to expand their collection of undeniable melodies, a blissful cacophony of live drums, grand pianos and orchestral strings. With palpable urgency shining through vocalist Christie Simpson’s rich harmonies, ‘Mona Lisa’ results in triumphant resolve. Following ‘Give It Hell’, which received praise from NME AU, Happy Mag, The Partae, Under The Radar and saw rotation adds across Double J, 2SER, Radio One Dunedin and more, ‘Mona Lisa’ is the group’s second single of 2021, the first tastes of new music since their acclaimed 2020 LP Truth Or Consequence and its subsequent Alternate Versions companion.
“‘Mona Lisa’ came to us gradually over a long period of time – so it’s story has changed and shifted, developing new relevance with each new phase of our lives. It’s a song that ruminates on conflicting, shifting uncertainty – of wanting someone that maybe you can’t have – of uncertain boundaries, of confusing interactions, misunderstanding, yearning. Trying to forget an obsession – or shifting between losing all hope and giving in to the obsession – lured back by the excitement and promise – the moments of feeling so alive. The terror and joy of a big crush,” says Simpson.
Those emotions are further explored by Simpson in a new music video, directed by the band and produced by Julie Gursha.
“[We] wanted the video to feel like a mirror to all those emotions along the passage of time – except in isolation,” continues Simpson. “A year stuck inside (as we have been), alone with the big feelings, the big highs and the low lows – dancing around your bedroom, losing it a little bit. Moving in, making it yours, moving out again. The strange phase we’ve been existing in, trying to thrive in (occasionally succeeding, but often not). The joy, the sadness, the conflict, the chaos – without ever really leaving your bedroom.”
WATCH/LISTEN: ‘Mona Lisa’ – (Official Video)
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The theme of isolated togetherness and distant creativity has been a throughline for the band throughout their career. Originally formed in New Zealand, the members of Yumi Zouma now come together from around the globe: New York City (Josh Burgess – guitar, vocals), London (Charlie Ryder – guitar, bass, keys), Christchurch (Christie Simpson – vocals, keys) and Wellington (Olivia Campion – drums).
Their third studio album, 2020’s Truth or Consequences, was named as Feature Album at Double J and 2SER, Record of the Week at The Brag Media and further support around Australia from FBi Radio, Purple Sneakers, Pilerats and The Music Network, Spectrum (The Age). Internationally, the album garnered accolades from Consequence of Sound, Gorilla vs Bear, NPR, Earmilk, FADER, MTV, NYLON, Paste Magazine, Stereogum and Under The Radar.
