Event Reviews

Whatever gigs you’re planning on gracing your presence with this year, try and make it to one of this band's UK dates. For something totally different (and perhaps a little strange for some), this is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed!

On hearing some rather 'happy clappy’ introduction music, initially, my heart sank and I looked around for the nearest exit. I couldn’t have been more hoodwinked, the first tune swallowed me in and all I could do was stand and gawp listening to the mantra that had me hooked from the beginning.

Using synthesizers as a backdrop to engulf the bass, guitar and drums, produced an exhilarating and colorful musical experience, even more colourful however, were the band members, in particular their animated frontman, who twisted, turned and threw his body around the stage like a man possessed, which was fitting to the almost clannish beats and chants of their songs.

The continuously hypnotising rhythms and pulse, differentiated between hints of Caribbean, Eastern and tribal influences, I was immersed into which felt like what can only be described as a full-on hippy experience at some full moon party on some beach in Thailand.

Spellbound

Although these are not your everyday chart songs and you won’t get an everyday kind of performance, anyone with a taste for 'alternative' music would no doubt love these four New Yorkers, although I’m not sure they can be so easily classed into a genre.

I can honestly say, I didn’t expect this gig to be my cup of tea and I hate to be wrong, but I was mesmerised by the movement and the music that these mystic creatures were creating, spellbound even. Between songs the band members were humourous and down to earth, not wacky as one would assume, from their style and performance.

Also worth a mention, were their predecessors on stage, a support band called `Music by Numbers’, this Manchester crew, with their beautiful vocals & lyrics coupled with some admirable electric bass & guitar, were outstanding.

All in all, this was an evening very well spent.  Expect to be captivated and seduced by the magic charm of Yeasayer in 2008.