Ever since Yuck released their fantastic self-titled debut album earlier this year, there has been a bit of contention regarding how the British quartet would translate their fuzzed-out sound in a live setting. As was seen through several of their streamed SXSW showcases in March, they appeared bored, lackadaisical and tired. I had my doubts going into their Twin Cities debut last night at the Varsity Theater, but I'm happy to say that those doubts were completely unfounded. Long story short? Anyone that claims Yuck sucks in concert has probably never seen Yuck in concert.
Before I dip into their booming set, though, let's talk about openers Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Yuck's label and tourmates (and creators of another one of my favorite albums of 2011 thus far). The Portland-based trio made their mark on many Minneapolitans this past February opening up for Smith Westerns at the Triple Rock. Their return to our fair city was hyped a great deal, and they more than delivered last night. Shrouded in darkness (after requesting the stage lights be kept off due to the Varsity's increasing steaminess), UMO ripped through much of their new album over the course of 30+ intoxicating minutes. From "Ffunny Ffriends" to "Jello and Juggernauts" to "Nerve Damage" and everywhere in between, the young psych-influenced rockers commanded the dark stage and left nothing but intrigue amongst the onlookers. If I were a high school student in the mid-70s, I would want UMO to play every single house party I threw.
After UMO left to substantial applause, Yuck took the stage to an even bigger ovation (maybe the crowd was just happy they could now see the performers). They opened with a bang, giving us "Holing Out," one of the biggest sounding tracks on their only album before kicking up the fuzz quite a bit for "The Wall." Over the course of about 50 minutes, the four-piece played 75% of their new record and spliced in a couple of b-sides to boot, most notably the dreamy "Milkshake."
Now, if you came in expecting a raucous stage show, that's not what you got. Yuck is not going to bounce around aimlessly just for visual satisfaction. They did, however, play each and every song brilliantly (especially their current hit "Get Away") and gave their own restrained punch of verve for presence. For how much guitarist and lead singer Daniel Blumberg gazed at his shoes while jamming out to some of Yuck's blistering arrangements, I'm pretty sure the poor dude is going to end up with some serious scoliosis. While they said their thank yous and acknowledged the beauty of Minneapolis, there wasn't much stage banter....well outside of calling out the super tall dude with the afro that most of us have seen at some local show in the past year. Blumberg and lead guitarist Max Bloom commented how he looked like drummer Jonny Rogoff's dad (Rogoff has an afro himself, and resembles a modified Wooly Willy). For a band that many people think are standoffish, they created quite the connection with the appreciative crowd.
As the set came to a close, we were treated to an upbeat and relentless version of "Operation," followed by a new track and the dirty grinding anthem "Rubber," which saw the entire band become totally unglued, pounding their respective instruments mercilessly. They slowly and humbly left the stage, making their first Twin Cities appearance an unforgettable one.
