LIVE REVIEW: Yuck + GRMLN @ Troubadour, LA 2/2/14

February 05. 2014 | By Andre Cruz

London indie rockers Yuck are back on tour to promote the release of an upcoming EP and their 2013 sophomore album Glow & Behold. The last time this quartet brought their 90’s inlfuence lo-fi rock to Southern California, the bulk of the setlist were being sung by then lead singer and co-founder of the band Daniel Blumberg. Since his departure Max Bloom has taken over vocal duties and recorded a new batch of songs resulting in the new album. While the album was met with mixed reviews, Yuck proved that they are marching on without even a minor stumble.

GRMLN @ The Troubadour, LA 2/1/14GRMLN

Starting things off for the night was Yoodoo Park’s musical project GRMLN. The band barely paused between songs, mostly trying to get through as many as possible. When Park did take a break, it was always to praise Yuck for being the “nicest people you’ll ever meet” and thanking the band for taking them out on tour.

GRMLN @ The Troubadour, LA 2/1/14GRMLN

As the sound techs came out to set up for Yuck, the venue began to fill to capacity. Many in attendance could be heard getting loud and restless. Luckily the band took to the stage shortly after and commenced with “Middle Sea” off of their most recent release. “Holing Out” followed which really got everyone going. The band played perfectly, each member showing off their finest attributes. Guitarist and newest member Ed Hayes played his instrument swiftly and effortlessly while dancing around, as if he had always been a member of the band.

Yuck @ The Troubadour, LA 2/1/14Yuck

Max Bloom sang with such poise and confidence, jamming out on his guitar with every given opportunity. Even teasing the crowd by standing the edge of the stage. A departure from the more quiet and shy role he previously displayed. The band’s talented rhythm section played in pure harmony throughout the set. The band showcased their new cohesion during some songs by letting Mariko Doi’s groovy bass lines and Jonny Rogoff’s funky drum beats carry the song.

Yuck @ The Troubadour, LA 2/1/14Yuck

Bloom took a moment to jokingly reiterate the same sentiment GRMLN had expressed for them. Encouraging fans to “look out for any GRMLN records out there and make sure you buy them.”. The band then proceeded by playing “Lose My Breath” and “Out of Time” that caused a wave-like sense of calmness to spread through the venue. They again caused an uproar with “Get Away” off of their self titled debut album. Bloom took some time to thank everyone for always supporting Yuck, announcing the release of an upcoming EP before playing new song “Athena”.

Yuck @ The Troubadour, LA 2/1/14Yuck

Bassist Doi flexed her vocal chops taking over vocal duties for what is probably the bands most popular song “The Wall”. A very cool cover of New Order’s “Age of Consent” was performed before ending their set with “Operation”. The beloved band came out for a short encore which included “Georgia,” the band’s first released single.

Yuck @ The Troubadour, LA 2/1/14Yuck

Yuck instilled reassurance to those of us who were unsure of what to expect or may had even been reluctant to go see. They proved that with the core of the band still intact, they are very well capable of continuing on and creating more memorable songs. Yuck continue touring across the US, before heading back overseas for a full European tour. If we were you we wouldnt pass up the opportunity to catch this spectacular band live.

Check out more shot of Londoners Yuck at the Troubadour HERE

  • The Owl Mag | The Best Indie Music News, Album Reviews, and Free MP3s