Album Review: The Whole Shebang

Yaya and the Snakes first caught my attention back in 2020, when they released the single I Lost My Kumara On The Side Of The Road. Very much my kind of thing, a quintessentially Kiwi tale, a gut-wrenching tale of tuber tragedy. Now, Yaya & Co. have hit us with a full-length 11 song album. Mind you, The Whole Shebang might contain 11 tracks, but with an average track length of around 3 minutes, the album clocks in at just over the 30 minute mark.

I get a real kick out of bands that can write an entire album of stylistically different songs,  but still sound essentially just like themselves (FNM’s Angel Dust being a perfect example), and I feel that’s what we have here, too. First track Speed Tourism reminds me of the punk/funk stylings of Steriogram’s White Trash, proudly delivered in a Kiwi accent. 5G reminds me of the great Australasian pub rock bands of the 70’s and 80’s, showing some more depth to their songwriting, and going to more of a punk sound reminiscent of Dead Kennedys, towards the end. Internet Dating sounds just how I’d expected it might, a cheese-laden lounge-o-rama, the vocals delivered like a moustachioed Carpet Knight of Old, describing a protagonist eagerly awaiting reactions to his brand-new dating profile.

Rachel Hunter is a song that resonates wistfully with a chap of my era, recalling a time when a veritable goddess sprang forth from our shores, captivating the hearts of millions. A beautifully plaintive declaration of fealty.

Former single Kumara is up next with its new shortened title, rocking along with a boisterous Rockabilly feel, underpinned by a filthy filthy bass tone. Some Acapella scatting starts off the fiery, punk-fueled Pomero next, a cautionary tale of food allergy, with a somewhat TMI chorus. I won’t go into detail here, but suffice it to say, “You should’ve seen it”.

Dig Down has a very drop-tuned bass riff leading the charge into a dark, ska-influenced banger. Dig My Diamonds is a harsh commentary on the gem trade, again with a more punk feel that has a dark and riffy middle section.

Shady was instantly my favourite track, and got added to my everyday favourites Spotify playlist. A chuggily heavy riff in an angry song calling out liars and fakes. It made me think of a heavier Tu Plang-era Regurgitator, a very 90’s feel.

Has Love Vanished reminded me of bands like Pulp and Suede, a strong and rich vocal performance over a guitar-driven Britpop-esque sound, a sweet melody juxtaposed with somewhat more pessimistic lyrics. All rounded off with Mighty Mighty, a hard-hitting rocker with a short, reflective middle section. Nothing quite as mighty as staying out all night…y.

The Whole Shebang is a pretty apt name for an album that covers so very many genres, and does them all so well, too. A quirky, fun, adventurous band with strong musical prowess. I bet they go off, live. Get your snaky butts down to Christchurch so that I can find out, would you?