Y

The pandemic isolation was tough on everyone—especially in the artistic world, where money is often tight and so much depends on social gatherings. But even in the most difficult situations, resilience can thrive, pushing some to make the best of it. That was the case for Adam Brennan and Sophie Coppin, who turned the ordeal into an opportunity to create music. What began as a duo soon expanded to include more members. They quickly found the sound they were looking for. Y was born—and now they’re releasing their debut EP.

An Explosive Opening

The opening track, “Why,” kicks off with a wildly energetic sax riff—like a saxophone on speed—filling the room in a split second. Played by the talented Harry McHale, the sax is joined by Fells’ rushing drums, Brennan’s fuzz-drenched guitar, and Dan GB’s groovy bass lines, while the band randomly blurts out resounding “WHYYY”s in sync with the instrumental beat. As the story goes, it all started when Coppin’s keyboard was set in such a way that it sounded like it was saying “why” every time she pressed a key.

The saxophone often takes center stage—not just in the opening track, but throughout the EP. As Brennan explains: “Sax really cuts through a mix, and we wanted to steer the instrument away from that more traditional background lounge sound—to make it something powerful. In the right hands, it’s a mighty instrument.”

Mood Shifts and Vocal Power

This chaotic instrumental opener just works, setting the tone for what follows. “Marianne” and “Ladies Who” shift into a contrasting mood after that festive burst of energy. The drive is still there, but slightly more subdued, with slower rhythms and a tighter structure. Coppin’s impressive vocals recall the raw intensity of Nina Hagen—soaring to high notes and plunging into the lower register with equal confidence.

The EP closes with a calmer, poppier song that leans toward a soulful vibe. “Hate” is Y’s take on the classic love song. According to the band: “‘Hate’ is a love song. It’s a homage to the downtrodden and a celebration of everyday anguish and petty resentments we all feel… It’s a love song inverted—it’s a hate song.”

A Genre-Bending Energy

Y’s music channels punk energy, blends it with psychedelic vibes, and sprinkles in electronic textures. They revisit and reimagine a wide range of genres and international musical influences, mixing them into something fresh and exciting. Their unconventional style is a real breath of fresh air. I first came across them while browsing weekly new releases—and their raw energy and genre-bending approach had me jumping on the spot with excitement.

It’s only four tracks for now, but considering the sheer volume of material Sophie and Adam created during the pandemic, I have no doubt there’s much more to come.