Listen: Yo La Tengo Deliver Five-Track EP ‘The Bunker Sessions’

Photo Credit: Cheryl Dunn

Today, Nov. 7, Yo La Tengo have released a new EP, dubbed The Bunker Sessions. The set’s title is a nod to the Brooklyn, N.Y. location, The Bunker Studio, where the five-track collection was recorded. Included is sourced material from the band’s 1997 full-length release and their 2022 album, This Stupid World, which has been revisited and reinvigorated by the New Jersey trio.

Steeped in their signature alt-rock presentation, The Bunker Sessions delivers four cuts that originated on This Stupid World, such as “Sinatra Drive Breakdown,” “Aselestine,” “Fallout,” and “Apology Letter.” The alternative recordings are increasingly fuzzed out yet remain true to form in many ways, with extended builds and propelled instrumental moments. 

Besides material from This Stupid World, Yo La Tengo’s Georgia Hubley, Ira Kaplan and James McNew took on I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One song, “Stockholm Syndrome.” The return to the McNew-sung classic remains melancholy, though the tempo appears to shift, making for a faster, drum-laden stinger. 

Apart from today’s release, Yo La Tengo will take part in a run of shows in Japan this week. From there, they will return to the States in time for their sold-out Hanukkah residency at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. Ultimately, in February, the band will embark on a cross-country trek, beginning on Feb. 8 at The Fillmore in San Francisco. Scroll down for more details.

Listen to The Bunker Sessions below. Scroll down to view the complete tracking list.

The Bunker Sessions Tracking List:

1. Sinatra Drive Breakdown

2. Aselestine

3. Fallout

4. Apology Letter

5. Stockholm Syndrome