A new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album is always something I look forward to and this years, It's Blitz proved to be a departure from their synonymous garage rock sound. It is a punky dance offering which lends itself to a live performance perfectly.
As Karen Orzolek sung softly from backstage to the gentle start of 'Runaway', the Brixton Academy crowd instantly sat up and took notice. As the drum and guitar broke through the tenderness and the stage curtain fell, it was obvious to all that this was going to be a pure rock & roll gig.
Enthralling the crowd with her unique stage presence Karen O swooped onstage in a long Christian Joy designed cape complete with large chin high collar. It was almost as if she was the High Priest and we were her ever present disciples, ready and willing to bow down at the alter of The O.
'Pin' was a highlight with drummer Brian Chase and guitarist Nick Zinner coming into their own; I was really reminded that the best bands are truly made-up of talent from every direction. Zinner's technically brilliant guitar playing stood-out even amongst Karen's dominance.
Orzolek put her leather's on for the disco sounding, 'Zero' and created one of the biggest reactions of the night. As the tickertape flew, one of the stage prop signature eyeballs was unleashed into the audience. Although she eventually got bored of it flying around her stage ("I've had enough of that fucking eyeball, man!"), it was said with jest.
The Christian Joy designed costumes suit O's energetic personality perfectly and the array of colours and fabrics that were on show just added to the eclectic feel of the performance. The headdress from that now infamous Glastonbury performance once again appeared for 'Skeletons', pushing the boundaries of costume dressing forward once again.
As the encore ensued Karen O charmed her crowd with a simply stunning acoustic version of Maps. Her tenderness is as effective as her madness and the crowd was completely romanced by the performance.
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs formed 10 years ago in New York and for me, they have been a musical force that has been unchallenged throughout the noughties with Karen O an unstoppable icon and front-woman. I actually can't wait until they're in London again.
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