Yeasayer: Live at The Academy

Brooklyn outfit Yeasayer are doing their avant-pop thing at The Academy – although one could be forgiven for thinking that it was Animal Collective. The band’s light show – flourescent colours flickering at the front and back of the stage – is highly reminscent of Panda Bear and co., as is their brand of psych-tinged experimental rock.
However, Yeasayer arguably have more punch than the Collective in a gig setting. They utilise similar electronic grooves, but the live drumming and percussion – the loose, funky nature of which give the rhythms an almost world music feel – provide Yeasayer with greater punch and dynamism. Throughout, they move skillfully from irresistible dance workouts to more reflective, atmospheric numbers.
By the time the encore rolls around, the mood in the room is more akin to a club, with crowd members in all quarters dancing away and generally giving it loads. Yeasayer are an appropriately named band – they embrace the possibilites of music with infectious enthusiasm and produce a life-affirming noise.