Yelle: All of the Lights. All of the Colors. All of the Fun.

Yelle
The Showbox, Seattle, WA
04.07.15

Sure, Seattle Music News took in the sold out Yelle show just 6 months ago at Neumos, but if there’s a show worth catching twice – this is definitely it. There are boys and girls alike sporting shiny spandex and primary colors, rainbow suspenders, and long furry vests. There are twenty-somethings practicing their dance moves before the show. There is a reason to learn French.

A band that has admirably stuck to their native tongue, Yelle could make just about any lyric sound good via their glossily produced brand of artsy electro-pop and brilliant songwriting. The value of continuing to express themselves solely in French is twofold for the American audience because 1) if you’re not over-thinking the lyrics, you’re really just having fun, and 2) it’s more rewarding to look it up later.

The show opens to a half-full crowd, bars packed, smoke machine on. Drummers GrandMarnier and Frank Richard appear in matching coveralls and the light show begins. Moments later, out of the darkness, comes lead singer Julie Budet, in a signature neoprene cobalt dress, and the crowd goes insane. By the second song the floor is packed, everyone raucous and dancing.

Over the years, their melodies have become more refined, making Yelle’s beat-driven music undeniably addicting. Combined with pop-art driven imagery and styling, Yelle leaves no stones unturned. Their synchronized movements, rainbow of strobe lights, disco balls, and Reebok high tops all serve to fortify the same playful persona present in every video they’ve put out. Watching them come to life on stage is a glossy, provocative pleasure not to be missed. Though they’re finishing up their US tour via Coachella then heading to South America, keep an eye out for this band if you want to have all of the fun.

Local opener Hibou (pronounced ‘eee-boo’) the alias of Seattle singer-songwriter Peter Michel, gave us infectious surf-pop with magical guitars and catchy lyrics. Commenting on how nervous he was to be playing the same venue where he’d seen his first show, Michel also brought the excitement. Expect to hear more soon as the release of their debut LP is planned for this year on Barsuk Records.

Review by Stephanie Dore
Photos by Sunny Martini

Yelle