Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Celebrate 20 Years of Their Seminal Debut

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah marked the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking self-titled debut with a global tour and an exclusive reissue release. Few bands have made such an immediate and lasting impact as CYHSY, whose arrival reshaped the indie landscape and signaled a new era for independent music. Their debut didn’t just turn heads—it helped define a generation.

Melding leftfield pop with spirited indie rock, the band—anchored by the distinctive voice and vision of Alec Ounsworth—crafted a sound that was eccentric, exuberant, and wholly original. Buzzing synths, jangly guitars, skittering drums, and Ounsworth’s unmistakable yelp came together in a thrilling, unpolished mix that felt both urgent and timeless.

Tracks like “The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth” and “Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood” remain anthems of youthful defiance and joy, shining highlights on a record that never falters. Two decades later, the album's raw charm and creative spirit continue to resonate, its legacy still inspiring artists and fans alike.

Photos by Steve Sym from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah performance at Thalia Hall in Chicago on May 3, 2025.