On their latest album, Yoo Doo Right embark on a profound sonic exploration, featuring strategically placed loop motifs and dynamic walls of sound, thereby reigniting their unwavering connection to experimental music. The tracks on *Build and Rest by the Shepherd’s Light* range from loud, amplified forays into post-rock and krautrock to heavily distorted, effects-laden compositions reminiscent of ambient, noise, and drone. Beyond pragmatic boundaries, this work takes a more symbolic approach to creation: the individual tracks are allowed to unfold in countless different ways as you listen.
From the band’s perspective, *Build and Rest by the Shepherd’s Light* documents the struggles of artistic determination. The album pays tribute to the daily work required to maintain momentum, while also celebrating the shared joy that permeated the creative process. It also serves as a tribute to the communities that enable and foster art.
The title “Industriestraße 9” refers to a now-defunct squat in Lucerne, Switzerland, where Yoo Doo Right used to perform. Symbolism runs through song titles such as “Tortue,” “Sofort, Si fort,” and “To Be a Lambskin (Or to Be the Whole Flock),” offering enigmatic glimpses into the band’s creative vision.
In addition, the track “Neighbors Report Their Neighbors” features a deeply haunting spoken-word poem recited by co-producer Ky Brooks.
Timothy Aaron Bryan accompanied the two musicians and songwriters John Talbot (drums, percussion) and Justin Cober (guitars, bass VI, lap steel guitar, synthesizer, piano, tape recordings, vocals) on tour and was invited to play bass on the track “Doldrums, Doldrums, Eviler Than the Devil”—a song that has already become a staple of the band’s live performances. The album also features guest musicians Jessica Moss on violin and Francis Leduc-Bélanger on Trompete and flugelhorn.
*Build and Rest by the Shepherd’s Light* was recorded at Hotel2Tango (GY!BE, Wolf Parade, Do Make Say Think) and Error 403 in Montréal (Québec) by the aforementioned close friend and longtime collaborator Ky Brooks. The album was mixed by Seth Manchester at Machine with Magnets (Battles, Lightning Bolt, Deer Tick) in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and mastered by Amar Lal at Macro Sound (Pile, Hannah Frances, Titus Andronicus) in Oakland, California. The cover features a photograph taken by Julia Bender in Ovronnaz, Switzerland.
Yoo Doo Right’s fourth studio album is set to be released on November 6, 2026, via Mothland.
Translated with DeepL