Yelle: A Bucket List Must

Yelle
Neumos, Seattle, WA
10.24.14

French electro-pop sensation Yelle visited Capitol Hill on Friday, playing a show that, for reasons I now fully understand, sold out long ago. Not only are they a scarce sighting in the States, but their live show is ethereal. Exquisitely planned and beautifully executed, their performance was, above all, fun. Patiently combing their tour dates over the years, we have waited for the opportunity to see them live…

This show was worth the wait.

Yelle consists of two drummers, GrandMarnier and Tepr, who also produce the music; singer Julie Budet throws down all of the lyrics. Two drum sets and a mic is what we’re getting at. The show started with synchronized drumming amid tailored lights and sparse fog, as both drummers reciprocated and mirrored each other’s movements, with each sporting matching black jeans, a black hat, and a black, brick-patterned hoodie. ‘Robots’ came to mind. This drum ballet would become a staple of the show, absolutely pleasing in regards to both function and humor. After a couple hypnotizing minutes, Budet stormed the stage in red spandex leggings and a poly-foam shirt, wasting no time jumping into “Unillusion.” The seventy-five minute set had begun with energy and would end with more.

Budet was all smiles as she danced and jumped from end to end with limitless spirit. Aside from all vocal duties, she also took a hand at her own pair of drums and a cowbell. Completing the first song, she eagerly greeted the crowd with, “Good evening Seattle! How are you tonight? Are you ready to party?!” Remember, of course, that all of this chatter is encased in an endearing French accent. She also inquired about our ‘moves’: “Do you know in Seattle how to roll your hips? Pretty good, pretty good! You’re gonna’ have to practice with us!” Even the drummers joined in on the hip-rolling action. During a short interlude, Budet changed her outfit, now styling a longer white-trimmed, yellow poly-foam shirt with, well, no pants. For many reasons, the front row had a hard time averting a nagging grin. Nobody was complaining. My last note for this show read: I can’t believe this ticket was $20.

The opener for Yelle was an electro-rock-Caribbean inspired three piece from Brooklyn called Lemonade. Originating in San Fran, they took their diverse style to New York after gaining momentum on the West Coast. Lemonade has released three albums, most recently last month, entitled, Minus Tide. Sans a random date in Argentina, they’re currently making their way across the southern US. Dance-packed and full of energy, they were a perfect complement for a crowd ready to shake it up.

Yelle Set List:
Unillusion
Comme un enfant + La musique
Ba$$in
Je veux te voir + L’amour parfait
Dire qu’on va tour mourir
Jeune fille garnement
Que veux tu (extended)
COCA
A cause des garcons
Toho + Safari Disco Club
S’eteint le soleil
Encore:
Tristesse Joie
Completement fou