Culture

Rating: A

Yumi Zouma is a New Zealand trio now based in New York and Paris. At first a collaborative project between Charlie Ryder and Josh Burgess (both from Bang Bang Eche), the two eventually joint forces with vocalist Kim Pflaum. After having completed a number of tracks the group were quickly signed to alternative pop label Cascine records, home to artists such as Keep Shelley In Athens and Erika Spring. With dreamy vocals and a penchant for nostalgia, Yumi Zouma undoubtedly fit right in.

Right around 15 minutes in length, this four-track EP is drenched with astounding, dream pop splendour. Most impressive is the group’s knack for beautiful vocal melodies. This and their flawless pop-song construction has each hook flowing smoothly to the next. Pflaum’s vocals are sensual, fragile, and float soft and streamlined; seamlessly weaving in, out and around the lush, watery instrumentation.

“A Long Walk Home For Parted Lovers” sets the tone immediately. Synths are smooth and clean, bass lines are brooding but with a layer of velvet. You can almost imagine this record playing in a dated eighties movie. Two lovers sitting as the sun sets, staring into each others eyes, then a silhouette of the both of them locked in a kiss. “Sålka Gets Her Hopes Up,” “The Brae” and “Riquelme” all carry over the same sense of nostalgia and dreamy romance and are all equally as infectious.

Yumi Zouma demonstrate a real talent for pop craftsmanship and seem to have molded a little space of their own amongst the many legions of dream pop groups. This EP is romantic and moody. Both a sunset and a pair of eyes to get lost in.