Yeasayer - Cambridge Junction - Mon 05 July '10

[Pete]

The stage is simply but effectively covered in billowing white sheets giving the impression of a Bedouin tent.. Column up-lighters for the synths and with coloured lights onto the sheets make for an impressive cosy effect in the Junction which, is ¾ full.

The band themselves are on just after 9pm for a 1h 20 min set which, although not particularly long was, quality all the way through. The band are a mix of Hawkwind meets Animal Collective, meets Talking Heads with Middle Eastern and African rhythms thrown in. the rally are a body swaying / foot tapping delight. It does amaze me sometimes how so people can stand static when the are so many rhythms in a room!

Yeasayer were at the Main Square festival in Arras the day before on Sunday 4th July sharing the main stage with Rammstein and Pink. First band on at 3pm, they were saying that the French did not appreciate them, although the bill which also included the Sterophonics seemed a bit of a mis-match for Yeasayer. Anyhow they were pleased to be in Cambridge for a second time.

Songs came from both albums and it was great to see such a quality and original band deliver a fine set and much matured from the Great Escape performance of a couple of years back when they were the new kids on the block. One to seek out at the newly renamed Latte-tude (Latitude) festival next week!

Pete