T.E. Yates’ brand-new EP, 'Strange Weather', is out now. Consisting of 6 tracks, the EP encapsulates an air of enigmatic folk that also tends to dip into jollier funk-infused rhythms, and profoundly touches on his experiences as a neurodivergent person, particularly in the opening track, Condition. 

Despite always being wrapped somewhere within the musical picture, being able to develop as a multi-instrumentalist and performing sessions for other artists, it is with this EP that Yates hopes to see some success. 

Moving onto the second track of Strange Weather, you sense an eerie shift when listening to Fierce Horses, in terms of its Old-Time sound. Building sad and dark imagery, singing ‘It’s just like I’m not there, like I’m a ghost,’ Yates creates this notion of feeling alone and isolated, through his lyrics. Palace of Your Master is also a melancholic and much slower track, which nicely breaks up the collation of songs. 

Introducing a fiddle and a more upbeat melody, Fairy Tale, provides relief for the listener. And despite its contrasting sorrowful lyrics - ‘Love is just a fairy tale that never comes through’ - the overall jolly, exciting and built-up instrumentation of the song seems to compensate for it well. 

The penultimate track on the EP unironically highlights T.E. Yates as a creative Jack of All Trades, himself; artist, illustrator, and award-winning animator, he truly is a one-man band. This track sets a different tone compared to the rest of the EP, facilitating an electric piano and guitar to provide some interesting, jazz-infused grooves and riffs. Mystery Window is a charming final track, making an ambiguous nod to the title of the EP through the narrative of his lyrics - ‘Yes the weather’s very strange, but it’s your conversation that’s keeping me cold.’ 

Yates is due to go on tour with The Jesus Bolt the day after his EP - important to mention, produced by Biff Roxby - is released. Be sure to also look out for T.E. Yates’ accompanying video to Condition, the opening track of this wonderful EP.

For now, show some love for T.E. Yates: Instagram | Youtube | Facebook | Website (where you can purchase artwork too)

Author - Charlotte Bromley