Yeasayer brought their unique New York experimental rock sound to the cozy confines of La Zona Rosa (LZR) Saturday in Austin in a sold-out performance. The ticket sales prior to the show were so brisk, promoter, 101X radio added a second night and moved the show from The Parish to LZR.
Yeasayer vocalist Chris Keating proclaimed to the audience at the outset, "...we'd play a second night in Austin even if no one bought tickets. We love this town." Which is something examiner has heard frequently from musicians at Austin shows. Phoenix (from Paris) said they love performing in the "Live Music Capital". They even told us the band would be coming back soon. Promise was kept when they announced an April 29th date at Stubb's BBQ (sold out).
Yeasayer's music is highly percussive with two percussionists laying down beats in front of back lit screens on stage. The visual was appealing with the sillouetted band members and lighted amplifiers providing an interesting tableau. Add in Keating's unique vocal style along with multi-instrumental players on guitar (they played keys too) and there's magic to be heard. One can imagine listening to this band in the car on a long drive or while working on a difficult work issue. It's definitely thinking music.
Guitarist Anand Wilder also sang vocals on a few tracks including encore Griselda. As unique as Keating's vocal style is, Wilder was equally impressive. After a short but intense set (about 70 minutes) Yeasayer ended the performance with the gentle song, Sunrise.
Yeasayer certainly demonstrated why they're currently riding a wave of popularity. The songs are unique but commercially accessible enough to appeal to a wide range of music fans. The band plays many danceable songs. The set list and live concert video shot in Dallas recently is below:
The Children
Rome
Wait for the Summer
I Remember
Tightrope
2080
Love Me Girl
Mondegreen
O.N.E.
Strange Reunions
Madder Red Pl
Amblin' Alp
Encore:
Grizelda
Sunrise
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Yeasayer at Granda Theater ~ Dallas ~ April 9th
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