Zebra

After the Brazilian obsessions of their previous FLAG and ONE SECOND full-lengths, Yello sound designer Boris Blank and his vocal partner-in-crime Dieter Meier decided to go back to basics for ZEBRA. Pulsing with the modern techno rhythms of groups such as LFO and 808 State, here Yello push the electronic envelope in spades.
The spunky "Suite 909" features percolating 909 rhythm pops and more of Blank's jaw-droppingly unusual electronics. Meier's processed vocals drip like dollops of petroleum jelly on the beats. "How How" recalls earlier hits such as "Bostich" and "You Gotta Say Yes to Another Excess," with Meier playfully bopping along to Blank's synthesized brass and electronic maracas. But it's back to the heart of darkness on the superb "Night Train," the dark beats and ghostly electronics not sounding too out of place even on their opening salvo, SOLID PLEASURE. Yello have come a long way from their experimental Ralph days, but ZEBRA finds them in top form.