By HANNAH ELLIOTT, Robinson High

Cult indie band Yo La Tengo has been around since 1984, and even if you haven’t necessarily heard a song of theirs before, you kind of have. Yo La Tengo is often referred to as the “quintessential critics’ band” and has paved the way for all indie pop/rock bands to follow. Their wide range of sound and use of lo-fi to violins is their staple that is the groundwork for so many bands today.

Through their 13 albums the band has bounced around and experimented, some albums more successful than others. I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One, their eighth album, is home of the song Autumn Sweater and is what I will always like to remember Yo La Tengo as being. Autumn Sweater is perfectly chilled, and is one of those songs that can transform any moment to make you feel you are in the triumphant closing scene of a feel-good movie.

But don’t get used to the sound. If I didn’t know any better and I listened to Autumn Sweater, then a song such as Ohm off the new album, I at first wouldn’t think it was the same band. But, after a closer listen, the subtle details tucked into each song create a consistent thread that makes all the separate songs seem not so different after all.

Each song on Fade has a soft hum, or muddled drone, layered in, especially Two Trains. The lo-fi vibes mixed with acoustic guitar gives Yo La Tengo the likeable haziness that keeps the listener at ease; perfect for studying when it is best to fill the mind with easy sounds.

The meadowy guitars and flowery, gentle vocals are pleasant, nothing to rave about, but there is nothing to criticize either. This band, named after a baseball anecdote about players yelling, “I’ve got it!” in the outfield, is a legend and an example of a strong and steady force. I mean, not many bands can say they’ve lasted 30 years. If you find yourself needing to relax and release some stress, this band’s good energy is contagious and will get you feeling serene, like everything will somehow work out and be okay in the end.