The group's origins trace back to their history of playing concerts together in Christchurch. However, the band did not begin writing music together until multiple members moved abroad and began collaborating over email following the events of the Christchurch earthquake. This early material gained attention within the musical blogosphere and encouraged American label Cascine to sign the band before they had played live or held a band practice.
Between 2014 and 2015, the group released two EPs (EP I, EP II). The band's debut album Yoncalla was released in 2016, including the singles "Keep It Close To Me" and "Barricade (Matter Of Fact)". In 2017, the band released their second album, Willowbank, and the singles "December", "Depths (Pt. I)", and "Half Hour". EP III was released in 2018, including the singles "In Camera" and "Crush (It's Late Just Stay)". In 2020, the band signed to labels Polyvinyl Record Co. and Inertia Music, and released their third album Truth or Consequences, which featured the singles "Right Track / Wrong Man", "Cool For A Second", "Southwark", "Lonely After", and "Sage".
Founded by Burgess, Ryder, and vocalist Kim Pflaum, the group began writing music using file-sharing services when Burgess left New Zealand to work at New York-based record label Captured Tracks. The band's first release, EP I, debuted in early 2014, after the single A Long Walk Home For Parted Lovers appeared on several blogs before being quickly taken down. The band was positively reviewed by Pitchfork and profiled by The Guardian, leading to the group signing with Brooklyn-based record label Cascine. In mid-2014, the band began playing live, touring with singer Lorde, and collaborating with other acts, such as the Swedish band Air France. Guitarist Sam Perry[ and vocalist Christie Simpson joined the group in 2015, while Pflaum left and started the solo project Madeira (later renamed Laumė). The band released a second EP, EP II, in early 2015, and proceeded to tour extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, with the likes of Jamie xx and Lower Dens.
The band quickly released their first full-length album, Yoncalla, the following year. As opposed to the long-distance writing of the band's earlier releases, Yoncalla consisted of material that had been finished during tours for EP II. The majority of the album's final material was recorded in Paris, France, following an American tour that stopped by the city of Yoncalla, Oregon. The band produced the album at electronic musician Philippe Zdar's Motorbass studio in Paris, enabling them to achieve a sound more akin to classic synth-pop than their previous records.
After a year of heavy touring in support of Yoncalla, the band traveled home to record in New Zealand for the first time. A limited edition cover of the Oasis album (What's The Story) Morning Glory? was distributed on vinyl in early 2017, before the release of the band's second album, Willowbank, in October. The sessions for Willowbank marked the first time that the group had worked together in a professional studio, with the band initially questioning whether they should "all move into separate rooms" to recreate the remote songwriting process from previous records. However, the sessions allowed for stronger collaboration and more organic instrumentation compared to earlier material, leading to jazz musician Olivia Campion joining the band as a live drummer. The lead single "Depths (Pt. I)" became a success on streaming platforms, and was accompanied by a video created by illustrator Frances Haszard. Following the completion of touring for Willowbank, Perry left the band in order to concentrate on his Serbia-based musical project DOG Power.
In wake of the departure of Perry, the remaining four members of the band proceeded to return to the methods of long-distance writing that had inspired their earlier material. This process led to the creation of a third EP, released in October 2018. A video for the lead single "In Camera" was released in early 2019, directed by Pavel Brenner. A video for the second single "Crush (It's Late, Just Stay)" was also released in 2019, directed by Robbie Barnett.
After signing to Polyvinyl and Inertia Records, Yumi Zouma released their third studio album Truth or Consequences on March 13, 2020. The album features the singles "Right Track / Wrong Man", "Cool For A Second", "Southwark", "Lonely After", and "Sage". Along with the album, Yumi Zouma is set to release a unique line of merchandise which includes a candle, bandana, and enamel pin. The band announced a reimagined edition of the album named Truth or Consequences - Alternate Versions, which was released in October 2020.
On March 18, 2022, their fourth full-length release Present Tense was recorded remotely with some in-studio sessions in Los Angeles, London, Florence, New York, and New Zealand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Half Hour
Yumi Zouma Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My thinking's clear at night
In all the worlds I think I hear you
Soothing all the time
I've been let off of work today
But all my plans are flakes
You're scared and it's feels unfair
I think I need you when I die
When I've got no one on my side
I think about it all the time
When I need to
Get back when I see through lies
This time I scream until I cry
Then laugh for hours
Like we folded in half
I think about it all the time
When I leave you it won't be a clean goodbye
I never found a stead refusal
Like gritted through my teeth
You give me time for when I'm sinking
When I fail to please
Fighting off your lack of prowess
You smell like cigarettes
Reminded me of what you withdrew
When I hitched my bets
Slow down
Show me what you've seen
No I can't think of you
I'll only stay so you'll feel ok
But maybe I should move
I think I need you when I die
When I've got no one on my side
I think about it all the time
When I need to
Get back when I see through lies
This time I scream until I cry
Then laugh for hours
Like we folded in half
I think about it all the time
When I leave you it won't be a clean goodbye
Look you say
We gotta stay warm
Well gotta stay calm
Oh embrace
You got me but I can't tell if you are trying or not
I think I need you when I die
When I've got no one on my side
I think about it all the time
When I need to
Get back when I see through lies
This time I scream until I cry
Then laugh for hours
Like we folded in half
I think about it all the time
When I leave you it won't be a clean goodbye
Yumi Zouma’s song “Half Hour” seems to be a reflection on a relationship that is troubled, but that the singer can’t let go of. The first verse reveals that the singer walks around for a half hour at night, during which time their thinking becomes clear. They think they hear their partner soothing them, which speaks to the comfort they find in the relationship. However, as the verse progresses, it is revealed that although the singer has been let off work, their plans fall through, leaving them with uncertain feelings about the relationship. The second verse reflects more confusion, as the singer describes struggling with a lack of “stead refusal” and being reminded of what their partner has withdrawn.
The chorus seems to be an acknowledgment of the power dynamic in the relationship, with the singer saying they need their partner when they die and have no one else on their side. They “think about it all the time,” an indication that despite the ambiguity and confusion in the relationship, it is constantly on the singer’s mind. They describe screaming and crying but then laughing for hours, which gives the impression that the relationship is passionate, but also unstable. The closing lines of the chorus leave the listener with uncertainty about the future of the relationship, with the singer declaring that when they leave their partner, it won’t be a clean goodbye.
In the bridge, the singer seems to be questioning the stability of the relationship once again. Their partner tells them “we gotta stay warm/ we gotta stay calm,” but the singer is unsure whether their partner is trying. The bridge hints at a lack of communication and consistency in the relationship. The final repetition of the chorus brings the song to a close, leaving listeners with the same sense of ambivalence and uncertainty that the singer experiences in the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I walk around for one half hour
I spend thirty minutes aimlessly wandering, lost in thought
My thinking's clear at night
I have more clarity of thought when it is dark outside
In all the worlds I think I hear you
I imagine hearing your voice in every possible scenario or reality
Soothing all the time
Your voice and presence bring me comfort and calmness
I've been let off of work today
I have the day off from my job
But all my plans are flakes
All of my intended activities or arrangements are unreliable or not solid
You're scared and it's feels unfair
You are frightened and it seems unjust to me
But maybe I'll be brave
But perhaps I can summon the courage needed in this situation
I think I need you when I die
I feel that I will need you when I am approaching my own death
When I've got no one on my side
When I feel alone and unsupported by anyone else
I think about it all the time
I constantly ponder this idea or thought
When I need to
Especially when I require comfort or reassurance
Get back when I see through lies
Reacting strongly to falsehoods and trying to correct any misconceptions
This time I scream until I cry
I express my intense emotions through screaming and weeping
Then laugh for hours
And then subsequently experience an extended period of laughter
Like we folded in half
As if we are doubled over with laughter, together
When I leave you it won't be a clean goodbye
When our relationship ends, it will not be a simple or easy separation
I never found a stead refusal
I never received a firm rejection or denial
Like gritted through my teeth
I struggle to withhold my frustration or anger
You give me time for when I'm sinking
You provide me with support and kindness during difficult times
When I fail to please
When I disappoint you, or am unable to make you happy
Fighting off your lack of prowess
Struggling to cope with your perceived shortcomings or inadequacies
You smell like cigarettes
Your scent reminds me of cigarette smoke
Reminded me of what you withdrew
Elicits memories of what you have taken away, or withheld from me
When I hitched my bets
When I placed my trust in you or took a risk with you
Slow down
Take things more slowly or patiently
Show me what you've seen
Tell me about your experiences or insights
No I can't think of you
Sometimes I cannot stop thinking about you or picture you in my mind
I'll only stay so you'll feel ok
I will remain close to you for your sake, to provide reassurance or emotional support
But maybe I should move
Maybe it would be healthier or wiser for me to distance myself and move on
Look you say
You begin to speak, drawing my attention
We gotta stay warm
We need to stay physically or emotionally warm and connected
Well gotta stay calm
We also need to remain calm and level-headed
Oh embrace
Embrace each other, either physically or metaphorically
You got me but I can't tell if you are trying or not
I feel close to you, but I am uncertain whether you are genuinely committed to our relationship
Contributed by Charlotte L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
momentsmeanmore
I walk around for one half hour
My thinking's clear at night
In all the worlds I think I hear you
Soothing all the time
I've been let off of work today
But all my plans are flakes
You're scared and it's feels unfair
But maybe I'll be brave
I think I need you when I die
When I've got no one on my side
I think about it all the time
When I need to
Get back when I see through lies
This time I scream until I cry
Then laugh for hours
Like we folded in half
I think about it all the time
When I leave you it won't be a clean goodbye
I never found a stead refusal
Like gritted through my teeth
You give me time for when I'm sinking
When I fail to please
Fighting off your lack of prowess
You smell like cigarettes
Reminded me of what you withdrew
When I hitched my bets
Slow down
Show me what you've seen
No I can't think of you
I'll only stay so you'll feel ok
But maybe I should move
I think I need you when I die
When I've got no one on my side
I think about it all the time
When I need to
Get back when I see through lies
This time I scream until I cry
Then laugh for hours
Like we folded in half
I think about it all the time
When I leave you it won't be a clean goodbye
Look you say
We gotta stay warm
Well gotta stay calm
Oh embrace
You got me but I can't tell if you are trying or not
I think I need you when I die
When I've got no one on my side
I think about it all the time
When I need to
Get back when I see through lies
This time I scream until I cry
Then laugh for hours
Like we folded in half
I think about it all the time
When I leave you it won't be a clean goodbye
sleepyfribble
This band is supernatural. I’m so blessed to not only have found then but appreciate them. It heals my soul in this difficult world.😊
Gently Live
@Yumi Zouma Come to Canada please <3
Yumi Zouma
THIS COMMENT
Sandiso Majubana
Introduced this band to my girlfriend in 2017 and this is her favourite song. This is how I know we're soulmates, Hope to marry her one day she doesn't know it yet :)
Chairun Combs
I'm so happy to find such a clever, cool band like Youmi Zouma, right when new stuff is coming out also. I listened to about 200 new bands over the past couple weeks and you are #1!
a person
I listen to chvrches a lot and really like this band
Andrew Mitchell
This is super great, gonna go listen to this forever
Kenneth Alvarez
Man, the lyrics of this song really hit you in the feels.
momentsmeanmore
Yet another great track! Can't wait for Willowbank rggh c'mon October!!!
Osvaldo Márquez
Los adoro ! ❤️❤️❤️