From the Heights of Our Pastureland, Yoo Doo Right’s third full-length album opens with a patented barrage of droning guitar, before settling into an array of the band’s signature rock epics, its pacing beautifully interrupted by emotionally-charged sonic explorations. Whether harvesting a melody to its very core, repeating mantra-like arrangements with mechanical precision, digging unfathomably deep amidst abyssal electrical signals, or simply saturating reels with carefree abandon, Yoo Doo Right yet again set out to further cement “their spot amongst Montréal post-rock royalty” (Exclaim!).
Whilst writing this third opus, Yoo Doo Right drew inspiration from patience, the commodification of art, AI and algorithmic music/art, as well as musical influences ranging from Wes Montgomery and Sergei Rachmaninoff all the way to Neurosis and Russian Circles, wanting to create something to sit and grow with, celebrating the saving grace and driving force of unconditional love for all living things. The process started in early 2023 with songwriters Cober, Masson and Talbot isolating themselves in a remote cabin during a snowstorm, and just recording anything that happened for three days straight. The trio aimed for something cinematic, but not in the way of a score; rather something more experiential, something that could create drive in oneself, something of significance in and of itself.
When the time came to commit the album to tape, Yoo Doo Right elected to visit Seth Manchester (Battles, Lightning Bolt, Lingua Ignota) at Machines with Magnets in Pawtucket, RI, before turning to Amar Lal (YlangYlang, Patio, Washer) at Macro Sound in Oakland (CA) for mastering duties, poised to unearth their best work to date. The resulting 42 minutes of experimental rock found on From the Heights of Our Pastureland are a testament to the Montrealers’ artistic resolve and uncanny creativity.
