What does Is Is sound like?

A raw blend of art rock and garage punk that pulses with infectious energy and biting lyrical wit. Rooted in alternative rock and indie rock. Start with "Rockers to Swallow".

Is Is Is a good place to start with Yeah Yeah Yeahs?

Yes, Is Is is recommended as a starting point for new Yeah Yeah Yeahs listeners. A raw blend of art rock and garage punk that pulses with infectious energy and biting lyrical wit. Is Is is the second EP by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, released after their commercial breakthrough with Fever to Tell in 2003. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status as key players in the early 2000s indie rock scene while exploring new sonic territories, bridging their edgy roots with more polished arrangements.

Is Is works well if you're into short, energetic listening bursts, immediate hooks and energy and raw and urgent vibes.

How many songs are on Is Is?

Is Is has 5 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

Is Is

Yeah Yeah Yeahs · 2007

17 min · 5 tracks · alternative rock

A raw blend of art rock and garage punk that pulses with infectious energy and biting lyrical wit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rockers to Swallow Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Down Boy — This track combines a pulsing beat with sharp lyrics, exemplifying the YYY's knack for crafting infectious hooks while maintaining a rebellious edge.
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Isis — With its darker soundscape and haunting vocals, Isis showcases the band’s artistic depth, exploring themes of desire and longing with striking imagery.
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Kiss Kiss — This track stands out for its playful yet confrontational tone, balancing catchy melodies with incisive lyrics that critique superficial relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances, maintaining a cohesive yet varied sound.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a driving beat and layered guitar riffs, establishing a high-energy atmosphere that persists throughout.
The EP closes with '10 X 10', which introduces a slower, more contemplative sound, providing a dynamic shift from the preceding tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, energetic listening bursts
immediate hooks and energy
raw and urgent vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry but not widely recognized as essential for new listeners.
Themes: superficial relationships· desire and longing· New York nightlife
Career context: Is Is is the second EP by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, released after their commercial breakthrough with Fever to Tell in 2003. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status as key players in the early 2000s indie rock scene while exploring new sonic territories, bridging their edgy roots with more polished arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors: Sonic Youth· The Kills· Interpol