NILÜFER YANYA: ‘PAINLESS’ DELUXE ALBUM REVIEW
On PAINLESS, her critically acclaimed second album, Nilüfer Yanya isn't afraid to be open about her feelings. Recently re-released with bonus tracks, covers, and remixes, we dive further into her world.
When Yanya released her sophomore album PAINLESS back in March of this year, it was met with high praise far and wide. Nine months on, she’s recently released a deluxe edition of the album, featuring a cover of PJ Harvey’s ‘Rid Of Me’ and remixes from King Krule and Sampha. Sonically, PAINLESS is more subdued and relaxed than its predecessor ‘Miss Universe’; on her debut, Yanya leapfrogged from genre to genre, drawing inspiration from jazz, alt rock and r’n’b. PAINLESS, in contrast, is firmly an indie-rock/pop record, grittier in its instrumentation.
On opening track ‘the dealer’, we’re met with a fast-paced breakbeat, perfectly capturing the mood of the song; Yanya sings about the anxiety of realising the person you’re with isn’t who you thought they were. Second track ‘L/R’ then introduces the saz - a long-necked stringed instrument popular in Middle Eastern countries. It’s most commonly used in Turkish folk music, acting as a nod to her Turkish heritage.
Press image by Molly Daniel
Thematically, PAINLESS primarily deals with emotion - feelings of heartbreak, loneliness, frustration. On the uptempo but murky-sounding ‘shameless’, Yanya sings: “If that is a sign / If this is enough / Then why do I lie here / Left leaving your touch?”. It’s an all too relatable track expressing the frustration of desiring someone you know isn’t good for you, but also touches on identity and the relationship you have with yourself. Elsewhere, sombre track ‘midnight sun’ tackles the complexities of a past relationship and fighting back emotionally when someone is grinding you down: “I remember everything / So I can't take back anything / Unless that’s how I'm meant to feel / Find myself a better deal”.
On standout track (and a personal fave) ‘the mystic’, Yanya takes us on a journey with an undulating and catchy guitar riff, exploring the fear of missing out and the feelings of unease it can leave you with. A similar level of vulnerability permeates the whole album, but Yanya nevertheless keeps the listener at arms length. PAINLESS feels like a deeply personal record, as she gives us insight into the breakdown of a romantic relationship, but somehow still doesn’t reveal too much - she only shares what she wants you to know.
Press image by Molly Daniel
The deluxe edition also includes a lofi and synth-heavy version of ‘midnight sun’ remixed by King Krule, as well as another remix of the same track by Sampha. Whilst the former maintains a dream-like quality, Sampha’s is more fast-paced - it wouldn’t feel overly incongruous to hear it played through the stereo system of a club. The final addition to PAINLESS’ deluxe iteration is a cover of PJ Harvey’s vivid goth anthem ‘Rid of Me’ – a moody rendition that doesn’t stray too far from the original, but brings the album to an apt close.
Overall, PAINLESS is a self-assured body of work. Refined in production whilst still maintaining the experimental elements found on her debut, it is introspective in its lyricism and conjures dazzling imagery with ease. A triumphant sophomore album, PAINLESS only adds to the intrigue of what Yanya will do next.