Kristian Dunn (bassist for El Ten Eleven) and Damon Che (formerly of post-rock band Don Caballero) have teamed up for their new band Yessness, and have announced the release of their first album See You at the Solipsist Convention.

The duo has also unveiled their first single, “Not So Sorry Now Are You?” on various streaming platforms - check it out below:

“Not So Sorry Now Are You?” introduces the project’s sound through funk beats meeting intricate polyrhythms. Che’s bass drum patterns are paired with Dunn’s piano passages, unifying both artist's style while highlighting their experience in the realms of post-rock and beyond. This new music blends the various rock genres both have worked in.

A press release from Joyful Noise Recordings describes Yesness as something for “fans of the post-everything persuasion — uncategorizable yet reverent to the altar of instrumental rock.” But listeners of the cult classic band Don Caballero should find some familiarity in drummer Che’s work, with syncopated percussion calling back to the pioneering days of 90's math rock – all while El Ten Eleven’s Dunn contributes his own expertise through the use of eight-stringed bass.

See You at the Solipsist Convention was born out of nearly one year of remote collaboration, where Dunn and Che shared their musical ideas between emails and texts. The pair was initially introduced through the label’s founder and curator, Karl Hofstetter, who helped piece together Yesness despite having never previously collaborated. He found instant chemistry in the pair, despite their physical distance; Dunn and Che only met in the same recording space after eight months of remote communication. Summertime served as a virtual brainstorming session where song titles like “Horror Snuggles” and “See Through Wolf Costume” were floated, and ultimately worked their way into the final product. 

In another statement through Joyful Noise, the album’s creation is attributed to the culmination of many positive connections all coming together, found through a supportive community and the music itself: 

“Beyond all measure, Yesness stands as a testament to the powerful dividends of friendship and collaboration. We are nothing without each other – our partners, our local record store clerks, our neighbors. Music, too, thrives on our entanglements. With twelve tracks, an upcoming tour, and an unexpected friendship stemming from one email, Yesness underscores the brilliant machinery of human connection.”

The band has is also gearing up for live shows in support of See You at the Solipsist Convention's upcoming release. Their first tour will take them across the western United States, with the next show slated in El Ten Eleven’s home city of Los Angeles.

See You at the Solipsist Convention comes out on November 22, 2024 through Joyful Noise Recordings. Digital and vinyl releases can be pre-ordered through the label’s online store.

Full tracklist:

1. Not So Sorry Now Are You?
2. Occasional Grape?
3. Nice Walrus
4. If You Say So
5. People Don't Like It When You Call Them Ace
6. Fire, When It's Broken
7. Your Reverb Is Showing
8. Horror Snuggle
9. You Didn't Need Those Pencils Did You?
10. There's No One on Board
11. See Through Wolf Costume
12. Non-incredible Visitor
    

YESNESS 2025 WESTERN UNITED STATES TOUR

January 22 - Los Angeles, CA @ Zebulon
January 23 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah
January 25 - Sacramento, CA @ Goldfield
January 26 - San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
January 30 - Bend, OR @ Domino Room
January 31 - Portland, OR @ Holocene
February 1 - Seattle, WA @ Madame Lou's
February 2 - Spokane, WA @ The District Bar
February 4 - Boise, ID @ Shrine Social Club
February 6 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby
February 7 - Denver, CO @ Globe Hall
Feburary 8 - Colorado Springs, CO @ Lulu's

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